FFXI enjoyment is directly linked to the people you hang out with in game.

Get into a Linkshell that sourrounds you with people you enjoy being around. Once you have that, relax, take your time to lvl and do quests, the more you rush for it the less youll enjoy it.

if you get the opertunity to rush through missions with friends/Linkshell mates by all means go ahead, but dont stress yourself on those aspects of the game.

an MMO is only as good as the friends you have in that MMO.