Email Question ??? HELP ????

i have been a long time user of Outlook as my main email program. A usual MS has decided to "improve" the program to where it is becoming quite useless compared to previous versions.
The Free version is useless IMO as is the subscription version. my program (Outlook 2019) became completely inaccessible and took 2.5 days to get it back in a scrambled state. Another 1.5 days to somewhat straighten it out.

I really don't want to LEARN a new program but am being forced to either way. Not sure what you guys are using but asking for any input. I've read that Thiunderbird is closest to Outlook in function and feel but worry about its long term future.
Any input is appreciated
TIA

Please look at post # #3214655 below for more info

Thunderbird works fine but personally I would rather use a cloud based server like gmail.

I've been using Gmail and default Mac email when I'm on that computer which doesn't help here lol

My work computer got updated to the latest outlook a couple weeks ago, as usual simplifying the menus made it take longer to do things but at least I've gotten used to it.

I've been using Hotmail/Outlook since 1995. Its still working flawlessly and as good as ever. Just the basic free version. I don't use the "cloud" for anything. My browser is Google Chrome but it works fine in MS. It is a bit slower if I use it on my Ipad and is a bit of a PITA on my Iphone.

I use Yahoo (Turbify as its called now) for my business only because I have a "Domain name" its ok but has given me more grief over the years than Outlook - and I have to pay for it!

Just my 2 cents !

I'm using Outlook as a part of Office 2016 Professional and have had no issues. I'm wondering what may be causing your issues.

Been using Thunderbird for decades. I hate the updates all software programs do that seem to be nothing more than "let's play where's Waldo" with your features. In any case, it works for me and I have it set up to also download my gmail stuff.

I use Outlook for work, no choice there, and have been for even longer than I have been using Thunderbird. It works.

Been using outlook for years with no problems. Remove the update and use your old edition.

I'm using Outlook home and business 2019.
i have randomly had The following message pop up over the last couple of years. Once it does, I click on it and it goes away but will retrun with increasing frequency until I can't get access the email anymore. Not being overly computer literate I fumble around on google and usually wind up finding a way to get to tech @ microsoft and it goes away. 6-12 months later it starts the cycle all over.
The after the most recent occurrences a window popped up saying I had to sign into Microsoft exchange
Thinking this might be MS's way of slowly pushing people to their subscription based 365 BS which I don't want or need I called them. They set me up on a 2.00 a month basic BS program.
That connected me to Microsoft exchange. The outlook 365 Pulls a really good vacuum all of the features I use are GONE!!!
Then i discover folders, messages are scrambled or outright missing. Some pop up from 2013 that were long ago deleted.
Back to Microsoft. A lady there took pity on me ( I think). She dumped the paid version of 365 put me back to 0utlook 2019. Still scrambled 🤬. So I unscrambled it as best as possible but am concerned it's going to happen again at some point.
Hence the desire to change programs.
I hate the thought of changing as it requires a learning curve as well as possibly changing the email address and losing the functionality/ features I'm accustomed to.
If anyone can help with input it woulld be GREATLY appreciated as this is way outside of my wheel house

Also note the program now is connected to the Microsoft Exchange Server whatever that means