Just as another data point, I managed to finish and kind of enjoy Gravity's Rainbow, accepting that I just couldn't understand everything and just go along for the (rocket) ride. Only after finishing it I read some notes and interpretations online.
But I tried several times reading or listening to The Brothers Karamazov and I didn't manage to finish it, I felt out of touch with the characters, their little lives and foibles weren't interesting, the tone felt dry and didactic, and there was no "fun" mystery to keep me hooked.
This was weird because I did manage to finish and ultimately like Crime & Punishment several years earlier.
However like you said, this was back before I had my current job. I wouldn't be able to read any of them today, I think, I'd lose motivation.
But I tried several times reading or listening to The Brothers Karamazov and I didn't manage to finish it, I felt out of touch with the characters, their little lives and foibles weren't interesting, the tone felt dry and didactic, and there was no "fun" mystery to keep me hooked.
This was weird because I did manage to finish and ultimately like Crime & Punishment several years earlier.
However like you said, this was back before I had my current job. I wouldn't be able to read any of them today, I think, I'd lose motivation.