How Long Does It Take to Build a Strong Account?

I have recently started playing DarkOrbit again, and honestly, once I get into the game, it is easy to forget about everything else going on in real life.
[REMOVED] My focus at the moment is simply on getting my DarkOrbit account moving in the right direction.

There are so many things to work on as a new player. Ships, equipment, upgrades, drones, weapons, missions, gates, and resources can make the early stages a little overwhelming.
I am trying not to waste resources and would rather follow a sensible progression from the beginning. That made me wonder how long it actually takes before a new account starts feeling genuinely strong.

For experienced players, how long did it take you to reach that point?

I am not talking about becoming one of the strongest players on the server. I mean reaching a stage where you can handle tougher enemies, complete missions more comfortably, and feel like your account is properly developed.

What would you prioritize if you were starting again today? Would you focus on the ship, equipment, drones, missions, or saving resources for bigger upgrades?
Also, are there any common mistakes that new players should avoid during their first few months?

I would really appreciate some advice from experienced players. I would rather learn from people who have already gone through the early stages than spend months upgrading the wrong things.