Guild Wars 2

Hi,
I’ve just returned playing the game after almost a year of not playing
Ele has always been my favorite class, though I have abandoned it quite a few times simply because I feel extremely squishy
Not only is it extremely squishy in nature, but on a D/W build (what I like playing, honestly) there isn’t even an option to weapon swap and use range
I’d really like some tips, especially on bosses, I’m feeling a barely survive even the simplest encounters :|

Using this build: http://metabattle.com/wiki/Build:Tempest_-_Fresh_Air_DPS
Would love some help,
Thanks.

A full DPS build on an ele takes a small measure of skill to play.

a. Don’t stand in AoEs. If you are casting a skill while targeted by an AoE, ditch the skill rather than taking the hit. Also don’t stay in places where you get hit/cleaved by enemies, you need to move around and position yourself so that you don’t get hit most of the time.
b. Learn to rotate your auras. Your auras = healing. Use them steadily, and try not to spam them. For emergencies use your proper healing skills.
c. Combo Finishers on water fields = healing. When taking heat, it’s better to drop your DPS by using water/earth rather than trying to stay in fire/air.
d. Change the build according to what you need. Optimal DPS can be/should be sacrificed for survivability. A dead toon is useless.