I’m in the same boat. My 2 bay Synology is enough for my storage, but the apps and Docker containers are bringing it to its knees. I’m keeping the Synology and adding on a mini PC to run docker containers.

Found a mini PC with an i5-12500T for £240.

I’m a noob at this stuff, but I’m hyped to get more stability in what I host and start using more demanding services.

Qualification inflation and no other suitable opportunities.

Employers have blatantly ridiculous demands because they will find people who cater to these demands in a shit system and shit economy.