Is there better meta than deep core mining?

I've only got 60-70hr into the game(started in September)
I discovered deep core mining this week and started to make some real buck(today I clocked almost 100mln).
I've got viper(?)MK3, Vulture and Keelback, which I use for mining. Wanting to try different things, I bought cheap ships to see what suits me, but earning credits for them was hard.
My main goal was always to buy some cool ships(rn aiming for multipurpose anaconda – mining and quick module swaps for battles), to fly and f*ck around with pirates and maybe thargoids.

I'm really happy with what I'm earning right now, because by playin 1-2hrs a day, I will get my first anaconda by the end of next week(got two exams in the meantime, so that will definitely slow me down). BUT I know, I could earn credits faster. What am I missing?

Btw, do I need to non stop fly with DSS to see hotspots on rings I usually visit? Will they disappear once I detach it? I really miss cruise assist.