Assuming your party is functioning properly and efficiently, you shouldn't have to worry about things like a tarutaru mage having dismal HP. If you've got a tank who knows what he or she is doing, you shouldn't take much damage at all (if any).

I tried a lot of different jobs while I played. I never had much trouble as a tarutaru melee (I tanked as a warrior and out-damaged most other melees as a dark knight). A well-equipped tarutaru melee will easily out-damage an elvaan melee with mediocre equipment. The problem is that the equipment necessary to make you excel can be extremely expensive (I doubt that's changed much since I quit).

It's easier to start off playing to your strengths. In the beginning, you're not going to be able to afford the equipment necessary to be a good galka white mage. You'll need the best MP+ gear you can get, such as astral rings.

If there is one thing I've noticed about people who use unfavorable job/race combinations are the best out there. If you see a level 40 galka white mage, you can almost be sure that he's damn good at what he does. The best WHM I ever had was a galka because he knew how to conserve his MP. This meant that he didn't draw hate, and he still did a very good job at keeping us alive. The best paladin I've ever partied with was a tarutaru (hi Ome!).

So yeah, long story short, try the more challenging combinations once you've become familiar with the game and can afford the things you need to make you as good as (or better than) others.

Edit:
Quote Originally Posted by demondude55 View Post
i predict ouch will post in the next 10 seconds for some reason
Congratulations, you've discovered the "Who's Online" page.