What do you think is the 'ideal level' for an established character? By that I mean when do you think it is appropriate to start heading off on the major quest lines (Daedric, Guilds, DLC, MQ, etc)? I usually wait until level 10, but my level 28 Dunmer Assassin hasn't touched a single major quest in the game (waiting till level 46 to get Nightingale).

I know it's just opinion and could vary from person to person, but I just don't feel 'right' when you immediately start doing Companions on level 1-4.

Makes sense to me, given how everyone but the College [censored] on you for being the weak new guy. Maybe you should just take it slow? Do quests in between to beef up your levels for the later quests so the title of Harbinger/Archmage/Guildmaster etc. doesn't seem as abrupt. Though some of the questlines don't really give you that option because of how rushed it feels, so finding a good spot in the questlines for some "down time/training time" would be good.

I like to take some time in the Main Quest before reaching High Hrothgar to level up a bit though and do other quests, for example. Usually I get to level 15-20 before I continue.

I don't worry about my level when I play. If I feel like my warrior is skilled enough to be an effective Companion, then I'll join the Companions. If not, then I'll get some practical sword practice in with the local bandits.

Thanks for the replies.

I normally just go around dungeon-diving everywhere. Head for Embershard Mine for good coin, then next to Bleak Falls Barrow for that Iron Armor, then usually into Whiterun's bandit holdouts (White River Watch, Silent Moons Camp, Valtheim Towers, etc). I sell to Riverwood first, then to Whiterun. About level 10 is when I start doing some major stuff, like Companions or College.

I was just curious to see what everyone else did.