This has been my journey.

I started with pure docker and hostpath on an Ubuntu server. This worked well for me for many years and is good for most people.

Later I really wanted to learn k8s so I built a 3 node cluster with NSF managed PVC for storage, this was fantastic for learning. I enjoyed this for 3 plus years. This is all on top of proxmox and zfs

About 8 months ago I decided I’m done with my k8s learning and I wanted more simplicity in my life. I created a lxc docker and slowly migrated all my workloads back to docker and hostpath, this time backed by my mirrored zfs files system.

I guess my point is what are you hoping to get out of your journey and then tailor your solution to that.

Also I do recommend using proxmox and zfs.