FFXI is not like any other MMORPG you've ever played.

It's from another world. Strategy and teamwork are not only vital to doing anything major. You HAVE to work with others to achieve everything in the game even just leveling up. Teamwork and patience are key. When you do well it's one hundred times more rewarding. Not having to pay monthly too is the best!

What I always say is this. Start off simple. Pick a DD Class and stick with it. You can do support or tank but it's more work and as a DD you can learn about the rules of the emnity system and balancing hate. Get up to a high level and spend as little money as possible. Don't worry so much about having the best equipment either. When you're leveling up it's really not that important as gear will become quickly outdated as you grow in power. Also as a DD a bigger focus on accuracy over power is important.

Elemental Crystals are important to crafting. Crafting can be you window into a business within the game. When you're maxed up you can get into the REAL game and at that point you'll know enough to tackle any job. Also you'll be making tonnes of cash to fund in game projects like leveling up a different class or what have you.

Also SELL everything on the AH. It's worth 50gil or 1000gil doesn't matter. Sell it. It's worth something and you did have to spend anything to sell it. It all mounts up and if you only spend the bare minimum. You'll be laughing

If you're interested, I am still new and learning myself to this game, wouldn't argue with a partner to run around with unless you just mean new to this server and not the game but either way.
IGN is same as user if interested.