See I just like LMDE. Everything works without fiddling (I want my OS to be boring). And if I feel spicy - backports.

I’m a senior IT type. My work laptop is Debian.

We like good pastries, coffee, good booze and feeling appreciated. Go make friends with the senior IT types and the help desk manager. Trust me it’s with it.

Also…

1. everything is changeable. But not everything should be changed.
2. There will come a time when you need to interact with the command line. This is expected, and no you did not do something wrong.
3. Have fun.

Oh if your looking for a distro? Mint is a great entry point (and even can support crusty old graybeards as well).