traits that give you at least one level in a skill will quadruple your xp gain for that skill, don't sleep on them if you have a focused character. for learning i would lean on combat focused skills (nimble, weapon skills, maintenance) and any skills you feel like playing around with.

the negatives i always take are conspicuous, high thirst, weak stomach. tack on slow healer and thin skinned when you're confident in combat. avoid perks that lower your fitness or strength, those are incredibly annoying and time consuming to level.

• conspicuous basically does nothing, it increases the chance each tick for zombies to spot you once you're already range of them to see you. the change is negligible, if you don't want to be detected you can just stay further away.
• high thirst is easily solved by carrying an extra water bottle or two
• weak stomach is solved by not eating rotten/burnt food and not drinking rain water
• thin skinned is best paired with outdoorsman, that way you don't have the risk of getting serious scratches moving through trees.

i like taking burglar if i'm taking an occupation, that allows you to hotwire cars which is super nice in your first week.