How about a code from eBay for an older version usually around $5-$10 have never had an issue

You can try one of those portable routers that can connect to the Internet via WiFi or cable and configure it with VPN to your house. The work laptop won’t know any better !

For example: https://youtu.be/7_vk6cpPtxA?si=1Za57Lo2DIzu3lO9

I was going to suggest something just like this !

Half of what you describe was the same even before the pandemic, this real estate bubble just made everything worst !