I don't have an answer, but share your frustrations. Every time I think that I am making progress in my career in this industry I run into another mobile goal post.
The only consolation that I can find is that we are on a kind of level playing field: we all suffer the same conditions. It feels a bit like being a ball on a pin-ball table, but it is just the way it is. I also take strength from seeing collegues and peers who do manage to gain advancement, by whatever means they do, and know that if I make the right effort I can join them.
Hang i there: it beats flipping burgers!