I’m a beginner. I play my acoustic for about 3 hours a week, I spend more time with my strat but anyway, a set of strings are dead and crusty feeling after about a month and need a change. I’ve been using elixir strings the past year but I just picked up a set of earthwood extra light’s to try out.
beginners shouldn't get too used to light strings. play through the pain. build up those calluses. the faster you build up your finger strength and calluses, the better off you'll be. you can always move down to lighter strings, but moving up to heavy ones is pretty rough. it was for me, anyway.