Mint is just Ubuntu with a different default desktop, but way less reliable

I have never heard this, why?

The default desktop is better so why not use it. Especially for beginners, the default being a better option, that’s a good thing.

Mint is a more polished ubuntu as far as i’m aware.

As long as you don’t pick Ubuntu, you’re good to go!

(p.s. not to scare you lol, if you pick ubuntu you’d be fine, just some of their decisions on where they are taking their os have been bad imo)

Fair enough

My work provides me a laptop that I use for what I need to do.

I hope nothing personal (from a opsec pov)