If you're doing it right, it shouldn't feel like work.
No doubt codifying and tabulating folk music is laborious, but you'd never get anywhere clock watching. you work on the music until it sounds right.

Its not like a music exam - where you get 6 out of ten and you get a pass. you have to be confident enough that you've got it as right as you can. And if it still sounds like shit - play something easier in public that you are capable of.

Pesonally, i'd rather hear a Beatles song played properly than a traditional song buggered up.

Not that the Beatles are easy - they were clever blokes - 2nd generation working class musician in Paul's case. the songs were written so well, that I can adapt them to my style, which I would characterise as mid 20th century English folk club. i don't try to sound like the Beatles, but I love doing their songs - and audiences love them.