After you pass the Tech test, maybe even while studying for it, learn what it takes to get on the air with local VHF/UHF repeaters and nets. Then do it ASAP. This will get you into the active local community and give you some on-air experience fast. From there, you can better figure out where you want to go next.
Look at joining a local club. You'll get a lot of help and elmering there.
Sooner or later you'll end up with a $25 Baofeng handy-talkie. Don't get hung up on learning to program it by hand. Get an elmer to help you program it with CHIRP and move on to developing more important radio skills.
If the Tech material seems easy to you, consider studying for General and taking both at once. It's a big bite to take, but you're in study mode already. Don't worry about testing to Extra for now. Some people test "zero to hero" in one sitting, but the Extra material won't make much sense without some on-air experience. Or maybe a Tech license will give you everything you need, and there's no reason to go past that.
If you start thinking about upgrading to General, a shortwave radio that can receive SSB and a
band plan chart will give you tons of motivation and hours of geeky fun. Besides, we're all modern survivalists here, of course you need a good shortwave radio.
Good luck!
