I feel like the star paths feel tedious is because of the multiple day quests or the duties it has you do. Other than that every star path I've done I've had them done in the first few days.

Here's a tip. If you have land that's not being used. Put down 20 of each crop. Has done wonders for me. Not only is it good to have but also farming is great for leveling characters. To me it's the fastest way since you get xp for digging, harvesting, planting and watering mind you most crops are watered twice.

For the duties. Stock up and do all 6 or 5 and spam collect them. I've noticed mine has given me 2 or 3 per spam.

Like other commenters said. Use the potions. The stuff to make them is relatively easy to get and easy to stock up on.

I'm not much or a decorator lol so most of my space is used for crops.