I'm an A0 moving to A1 in a while, have been thinking if the law firm life is really worth it. I get to make decent money, and have a good WLB. But, at the same time FOMO is kicking in and I feel like I'm under-performing as my peers are miles ahead. How long should I stay at a boutique? Is it worth moving to a huge firm if money and life in a metro is not the sole objective in life?
Stay at your firm, but start looking out for the right opportunities. Work your ass off in the opportunity you have at the boutique - and be prepared for the larger firm opportunity when it does come.
Enter as an A2 not beyond that.
If you become an SA in a Tier 1/2 you can easily become eligible for in house jobs even in your native place.