You say you have tried different races and different types of characters, but have you
played them any differently?
On my second playthrough, I turned left (towards Falkreath) instead of right. I ignored most random fetch quests and did things my first character didn't (specifically, Daedric quests). I played selfish instead of helpful- sought power instead of gold.
Also, I walked everywhere.
As a result, I had a very different experience. I saw parts of the world that I hadn't before. I met different NPCs and explored different caves and ruins.
The whole thing felt less grindy.
Don't try to win. Just play
