This is actually something that I like in systemd.

I am dealing with mostly non systemd system: BSD, Alpine, termux On BSD anacron works well, but I do not why I am always running into problems with the cronie anacron implementation. And it is very hard to debug.

I would really like a simple modern cron/anacron alternative.

Cronicle looked cool but it is node.js, a bit heavy and being replace now by their new product called xyOps anyway.