Currently in a similar situation. Stuck at L5 and failed the L6 transition due to: "The trajectory is good, but there is not enough evidence showing that you are consistently performing at L6".
It's ok. I am in Zurich and an L5 Google employee gets a ton of money so I am happy anyway. I decided that the personal sacrifice to get to L6 is not worth it and I am happy to cruise along for as long as they let me
Yes, you're out earning most SWEs, certainly almost all in Europe. Congrats. I'd be optimizing for a lack of stress and working on interesting things, but also my personal life to bring progression and accomplishment.
It's ok. I am in Zurich and an L5 Google employee gets a ton of money so I am happy anyway. I decided that the personal sacrifice to get to L6 is not worth it and I am happy to cruise along for as long as they let me