Hey I'm pretty new to the game, but also an older player with job and responsibilities... I've found the waiting for things to get done is a core part of the game - figuring out how to balance resource collection vs crafting and timing your production chains so things land correctly (and you have enough to do during the night...) is what makes vintage story what it is. I'm sure there are mods to change this, but I might be worth trying to embrace that this is a "slow" game and fun is enjoying each little technological leap for a bit vs zerging to the next thing.