Here is the thing. It is not that bad if you put in some effort to get out at nullsec and make some friends. Gate camps are costly when you get wrapped by EVE Echoes ISK the regional alliance, also if you are traveling throughout their nullsec space, they'll destroy you too because it's their territory. Either join them or try to run the blockade and make your money by being among the only individuals hauling in products from nullsec.

This is a very social sport, you're not likely to have fun on your own. I'm new and I am having a blast flying with complete fleets and learning from and supporting my group. Anyone can have the experience I'm having.

Edit: one other thought. This isn't taking that much of the time, I am easily able to perform 15min - 1hour chunks of time and participate. To EVE Mobile ISK Cheap the men and women who just want to explore, match a frigate with some stabilizers and inertial and you're fairly secure with autopilot. If you're hauling goods from nullsec, by yourself, then I'm not certain why that should be completely safe..