Just bought rift. Have any advice?

So i just recently bought rift, and I am quite shocked about how many paths there are to choose from. First off, I have to choose a shard. Now this is where I need the MOST help. Next I think I will choose the Defiant faction, and a Bahmi or Kaliri. I don't exactly know what class I should choose. I love to be rewarded for hard work, so any soul which is hard or medium, but well-rewarding is a good idea. Please help me, I would appreciate.