u/Pristine-Comb8804

!Possible spoilers!

I started my first playthough a few days ago, I am at the point where I have to collect 15000 eddies and I just rescued Evelyn.

Witcher 3 is my favourite game of all time, so I was expecting to understand the mechanics a bit better but I am lost.

Are side jobs on the map adequate to the level my charcter is at or are they random? I keep getting smoked everytime I try to do one. What is the best way to get better gear? I have really hard time progressing even on easy mode. Albeit, I am not the greatest at shooters but its not like I aim at the sky either. Any tips would be appreciated.