Stick it out or reroll?! Help appreciated!

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Hey there guys can I just start by saying superb job and effort, I'm loving having the chance to relive the glory days here on P99!

I'm looking for some advice really, I've started a monk, but I'm finding it really slow and I'm struggling to advance at all now I've hit level 4 and moved from the Freeport newbie area! Im realising more and more that melee classes seem to be pretty dependent on gear, of which i have none.
I was thinking maybe I should roll a caster but then I would have the problem of buying spells?
Im by no means begging on here but I would really appreciate some help in any form you can give it? Advice? Tactics? Money making tips?

Thankyou all very much in advance!!
Nuckle