There is so much pressure to get a hardware wallet, but I am scared!

I have been holding crypto since 2017 on exchanges. During that time, I have moved apartments, and have changed countries.

Ironically, I did buy a hardware wallet in 2018, again due to peer pressure from the community. and I lost it because my baggage was lost in the airport.

I again want to get a hardware wallet, and again due to peer pressure. Everyone keeps saying I need one. But what if I make a stupid mistake again? By having a hardware wallet, all of the responsibility lies on me.

Isn't it the equivalent of taking all your money from bank and saving it in a locker at your home. Yes the banks cannot access it, but then its security lies on you.

The crypto I have now is still there on the exchanges. One exchange closed down (which wasn't a reputable exchange), but then 2 years later they still gave me back my crypto. They would get serious legal repercussions if they don't follow the law.

I know this might sound stupid, but I have been contemplating about this for months now. I have set aside money for buying the wallet, but somehow I am not making the order.