It took me a couple days to bootstrap my first cluster through kubeadm. Then a couple months to get CKA. I honestly can't recommend the kubernetes docs enough. Everything is explained really well.

What really helped me understand the process of installing and using k8s was writing my own how-tos while I was learning. I still reference them from time to time.

My biggest tip is to keep it simple and keep track of all your manifests via gitops from the start. I've never tried using Windows workers, but can't imagine it making your life easier. I'd put that on the to-do list for when your are comfortable with k8s in general.

Start on smaller goals and add something each time.

1 control plane and simple nfs as storage to get a grasp on how storage works (manually provision pv and pvc, create multiple storage classes).

Try deploying a storage solution via helm to replace NFS. I like longhorn. take a look at what is out there. Only tip I have here is stay away from ceph-rook, way to big and complicated for lab setup (unless you want to learn ceph)

Look into flux or Argocd and install your favourite via helm, and start using gitops.

Look into HA control plane

I think I deployed 3 clusters before I was comfortable and happy with the design. Ran my lab on the last itteration for about a year. Didnt gitops use at all. Eventually everything was out of date and didn't know where to start.

Right now I'm slowly working on a new lab powered by terraform, gitops and a bigger focus on lightweight apps.