Everyone on this server has started from nothing. I personally ran for a week straight to get away from the spawn area. I found a location, found a spawner,worked really hard for what I have with no public grinder. This is all part of the game if you don't like this version of minecraft there are others. The server provides free xp, free food, starter kit, fully upgraded enchanting table, smelting room, villager trades, brewing stations, community chests, ender chests, also access to the end, nether and a random teleport into the wild. Also if you donate to get vip or vip + you will be able to access the "guardian grinder" vip trades as well as other perks. This server gives you plenty to help you get started.