I've had a broadly similar journey. I used to consume books non-stop but as I've moved out of education and my work/life commitments increased I ended up at pretty much zero reading if I wanted to relax in any other way. Plus, by the end of the day, my eyes are often just too tired to concentrate for too long.

Audiobooks allowed me to enjoy books again in times when I'm doing menial tasks such as cleaning and cooking. Add in plenty of available traveling time, then listening in bed to relax without having to use my eyes, and I easily find about 2 hours a day (sometimes a little less, often much more). I love them

Edit: I should add, it's broadly been made possible through my bone conduction head phones as well!