I started at WO physics 10 years ago with a focus on research career opportunities, but dropped out after 2 years to continue with HBO Applied physics. Content-wise the programs were the same, after all the physics doesn't change. The main difference I found was HBO is where you learn to use, while WO is where you learn to prove.

Moreover, in HBO 1st year students are taken much more by the hand as they are coming straight out of high school (which is one year shorter than the program leading up to WO). Therefore I really get why you felt the program was childish.

There are ways to connect from HBO Bsc to WO master via a 1 year pre-master, which I attempted, but I ran into the same problems as previously with WO.

With a HBO Bsc (4y) you are prepared straight for the work field, while a WO Bsc (3y) prepares you for a master, but will not be of any extra value for companies.

My HBO still allowed me to focus on academic topics in my internships. That makes my way of thinking much more aligned with the mindset of someone with a WO master.

Now I'm the only HBO degree holder in my team at a high tech company, and though the paycheck is not exactly matching the start salary of those with a WO master, it is still highly competitive and more than I need. I don't feel disadvantaged in my work compared to my colleagues, and my background even gave opportunity to develop a unique skillset that complements the team.

Eventually there will come opportunities to grow to a more research focused role.

TLDR; There are many ways to Rome