GTA Online Question

[KYScout]

So, last night after work I logged in and for 2 hours the only thing that would happen is the intro to online would play, I created my character and then it took me to some street race. At the street race, I cant go anywhere, it just watches some dude pull up and then it goes to "looking for players" and then sets on "loading session" forever.

 

for two hours I rebooted, and same thing. Finally gave up and just went SP mode. I assume there was large network demand issues and bugs to be worked out at R*

 

Is there anyway around this so I can start free-roaming, or is this mission a requirement before I can even do anything?

 

Also, as a side note a few times I did hear audio of someone entering a room and it was always some 12 year old talking smack. Who lets there 12 year old play this game?