I don’t have a lot of time to play and the grind can be disheartening.

Just bought the game. Love it but I don't have a lot of time to play it.
After finally figuring out how to find The Elder I became very frustrated how far it was from me. I mean, about as far as you can get (even from center).
But I persevered, it took a few days (real time) to get there and kill him but I did. Make it home, find a swamp biome, Bonemass is again on the other side of the world. So frustrating. Still haven't killed him yet (90+ days in game).
Then, I learn there is merchant and his location will automatically appear once you're in range. Despite exploring a decent amount of the map I can't find him so I use a python script to locate him. You'll never guess… CLEAR ACROSS THE MAP.
As a full time dad, employee, and general busy fella it's difficult for me to find the time to dedicate to the long journeys needed for this game. Yes, I know the world is procedurally generated and it the luck of the draw. I just wish there was a way to put the map on easy mode, smaller maybe?

I can't be alone in this feeling?

TLDR: I'm an impatient dad that can't dedicate the time to this game and wish I could shrink the map.