I have done the calculations and only the FAANG level companies will get me where I want to go when I want to be there.

Have you considered working for non-FAANG companies for a little while, while you build up your skills on-the-job? I was nearly in my 40s before I got a job at one of those “top” companies, and it wasn’t for lack of trying.

I worked at a bottom tier company for 1.5 years. I got fired and hated my time there. I never want to repeat that experience.

You were fired from a "bottom tier" company. No offense, but what makes you think that you will survive the much higher expectations at a FAANG long enough to retire? I personally found that to be much harder than getting into one. For the record, I believe most people can get into FAANG with some (or lots) prep work, but if you think that regurgitating Leetcode is the only thing you need, I would highly recommend revisiting this assumption. Perhaps start with those social skills you mentioned elsewhere...

Strong +1 to this. I passed the FAANG interview after solving 100 leetcodes, mostly medium.

Being able to show up and do the work is table stakes –– and yes, I actually write efficient algorithms in my day-to-day because we process massive amounts of data. But the algos I write were invented 50, 60 years ago. My leetcode study process was to look up the solution and then memorize it through rote practice. Why reinvent the wheel? I'm not trying to win a Turing prize here.

But your intellectual mettle and day to day happiness in the company is tested by your ability to deal with people.

>only the FAANG level companies will get me where I want to go

So? You might never go "where you want to go" (some monetary compensasion?). It might be unreachable or a pipe dream for most and/or for you.