I can see how some may see the farming as grinding. Different folks have different preferences in gaming.

It's not grinding for me. I have the beach farm so I can't put so many sprinklers. I need to water some of my crops manually. It's OK.

I don't plant so many crops so I have time to explore at the end of my day.

I lack iridium ores to upgrade my tools to iridium level but it's OK. I hope I'll get many iridium ores in the future.

I don't feel any passive-aggression from my fellow villagers.

Buy hay if you run out of it in winter?

Are you enjoying? If no, I suggest altering your playstyle or making a new save for a cozy playstyle. :)