I don't get it

Love the game. Very new and I understand this takes a modicum of patience, but...all I've been able to accomplish in the sidewinder are delivery/ trade missions. Anytime I try something new my ass gets handed to me. I've got several hours in and have never seen a ship I could handle that wasn't in a wing of 4. My bank is creeping along. I'm not in a hurry but can't help feel I'm doing something wrong. How long should I be doing 10k credit delivery missions in the sidewinder? Seems like others are advancing way faster so I must be missing something. Playing in solo on xbox and have been playing space Sims since Wing Commander.