Not sure what I should be focusing on

So I FINALLY got to area 5-5 and I can break the first stones there, just takes a bit. I've been doing that and going to the first Meteor to get eggs, and shards. However both feel a bit to slow and I know I should be focusing on one: Should I keep doing to Meteor to level up pets and collect shards? or should I focus on the rocks to get my pickaxe strength max (currently at 106,102,103,104,105)