I've been using the guide here for the sorcerer. I was struggling to stay alive until I started using the leveling guide for that class. Now I'm a beast.

I don't see any shame in using a guide, I grew up on strategy guides as a kid, and I find them even more applicable today. Have you looked at any of the rogue builds on icy veins?

https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/rogue/builds/

I just started playing the game. I plan on using the builds on icy veins to level and then experimenting for myself.

I played twisting blades + shadow imbue up to level 45. Instantly blowing up groups and I could face tank most bosses, but gameplay felt a bit repetitive so I started looking for a new build. Spent a lot of time trying to find synergies and coming up with something on my own, but experimenting with skills and items in D4 is so tedious (annoying UI, re-skill fees get quite expensive at that level, and no quick way to test the build) so eventually I just used someone else's build.

This is poison imbue build that has both piercing shot for groups, and rapid fire to finish off tougher units. Still does a ton of damage but requires more positioning to use well and to stay alive, so far I'm enjoying it. https://d4builds.gg/...

I have a sorceress build that is primarily focused on lightning with some frost for defence and utility. I've stacked as much extra damage on cc'd enemies as possible and it gets pretty wild.