It is becoming increasingly difficult to leave for greener pastures too as the housing market has turned a person’s home into a boat anchor. at least in my area.
Facing the same, the lesson must be learned where we didn’t:
Pay CASH for you housing. Own it outright. That way “move” IS an option, always. Mortgages are evil (as Proverbs notes). Society need learn to not walk into the trap as a cultural norm.