This is not identical to my experience, but I definitely have the same problem with hobby computing. My lack of time and energy as I get older is frustrating, but also just the fact that I don't want all the hassle. I want a computer to do work in applications, not because I want to meticulously maintain and configure the operating system for a couple hours every week.
I use nixos - if an application isn't in the repos, I don't even bother anymore. really simplified system admin for me.
Sometimes you do need that app and I'd rather use AUR vs writing Nix.