I agree about the Celtic Cross being too much for beginners. After getting used to single-card draws, I’d suggest trying three-card spreads.
The classic Past–Present–Future three-card draw is sweet and gentle, but you’re right… It can feel too linear or vague when someone comes with a focused question like “Should I take this job?” or “What’s blocking my creativity right now?”
Three-card spreads work well because you can use them for any question. You could do Situation-Action-Outcome, or Mind-Body-Spirit, or Problem-Root Cause-Solution. Just decide what each position means before shuffling. Three cards give you enough to work with without getting overwhelming.
It’s also easier to see connections between cards when there’s only three instead of ten.