You can buy the PS3 version for dirt cheap now, and it comes with a 30 day free trial. I'd suggest you try it if you get a chance. FFXIV has been my first MMO as well, I've only subbed twice since ARR launched but when I play it I really enjoy it. Definitely going to try and get in to it more! Currently on route to unlocking Dragoon.
When I first started playing I started off as a Marauder, which was a tank. As a newbie to MMO I didn't understand all the mechanics of what a tank should be, keeping hate from monsters etc. Found myself running around dungeons and such not knowing what to do! But now I've switched to Lancer which is a DPS (damage dealer) role I feel much more comfortable on the battlefield.
That's the good thing about this game: you can be whatever class you want to be at any time. I've barely scratched the surface content wise. And if you don't want to commit just sub for a month, then come back to it later and continue from where you left off.