[latencyloser]

I think you're right and I sincerely think that this gets easier with time. Practice makes perfect and subjecting yourself to the process on the regular makes it less stressful when you actually need it to go well for you. In an unforgiving sense, I simply believe this is part of the job. I'm not saying it's right, but it is what it is.

Personally, I interview at another company every 6-12 months. It's not so often as to be a significant burden, but it is frequent enough to be a reality check if I'm getting rusty or if employers are starting to expect more of me (because my seniority is increasing). Recruiters are so busy trying to find bodies you're unlikely to burn any bridges by just going through the motions to see if you're a fit. Hell, I have an ongoing relationship with a Google recruiter that I talk to every other year or so just to see what's up--I've never worked for Google, but I have interviewed there a few times, a few times with success and others without it. Worst case, they don't give you an offer and you walk away with an understanding of what your weaknesses are. Best case, you get an offer and maybe it's a better one, you now have a better job.

Disclaimer: Am FAANG employee :)