Race with or without a team?

[BalaRoja]

New here to this forum, so first off: hello hello

Next year I am set on giving racing a shot. I have been training/working hard this summer, getting more serious, more structured, and plan to continue through fall and winter. I got myself a power meter, plenty of books, and do lots of reading on proper training techniques - so I feel very good about that aspect and have made excellent progress in my fitness.

For ladies that race or have raced - can you tell me about the pro's and con's of trying racing with and without a team? Better to start solo or with a team?

If you pick a team, then what do you want to look for? how does it all work within a team? I have a sense of how pro cycling team's work, with certain riders having roles, etc, but have no clue how it is for non-pro and local teams.

So far as events go, I am interested in time trials, road races - but not sure about crits (they look a bit sketchy, dangerous even!)

So many questions I know. Would appreciate your feedback....