Prices for occasional users

I don't know what you expect.  The Photography and the All Apps Plans are deeply discounted bundles of software & services for one very low price. If you do the math, you're paying about $1/month per app.   Compared to AutoCad and Maya design software that each cost $1,700/yr, Creative Cloud pricing is a bargain!  And eligible Students & Teachers enjoy an additional 60% discount from Adobe.  It doesn't get any better than that. 

Having the right tools for your trade is the cost of doing business.  Your employer knows that.  If you want to do freelance work in your spare time, that's great but you must charge enough to cover your business expenses and then some.  That's how the system works. 😁

Good luck!

Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements are available for a one time purchase.  You don't subscribe.

SOME programs are available Monthly https://community.adobe.com/t5/Get-Started/Being-charged-for-a-full-year-when-i-m-on-month-to-month/td-p/10248222 - links and pictures
-the special Photography Plan is ONLY available on an annual plan, with monthly or 1 annual payment

if you're an episodic user, adobe has one month plans.  that can be started when the need arises and end in one month (though you need to cancel otherwise the plan automatically renews for the next month).