Yeah I agree with you. I see my older colleagues prioritize this. The problem with me is that I did it in reverse. In my 20s instead of actually trying, I took the first lame job I could find out of college and took years to leave into something better. Even then the best I could muster is moving to another corporate enterprise shop. (i'm 34). I never did the fast moving startup or the FAANGs even though I feel like I should do so and get it on my resume before I reach 40. Not only did I mess up in not getting any real mentorship I am now in a position where I'm paid fairly well (~120k in an eastern suburb)and have no stress whatsoever. Deadlines are just a suggestion and my team is not tech savvy so no one helps me grow other than myself. Everyone is also super respectful, no gossip, no fighting, no drama, a management meeting load as well. I know this is going to bite me hard down the road, but it is really difficult to give up this position prematurely for something more growth worthy now. I also consider myself to be super lucky to be in this position so i'd feel guilty walking away from it. At least I am working on a tech stack I enjoy. (Angular + Python)