Unlock device to switch carriers

I need to unlock my device… I have been going through hoops to get an answer to this. In November 2021 I switched carriers from Verizon to T-Mobile. Within several months with the service i began to have problems with my phone ( freezing screen). I call T-Mobile they tell me to take it to apple since it’s under their warranty. I make an appointment at the Apple Store and they complete a new order for a new iPhone since the one from T-Mobile was indeed defective. Well fast forward a year. I do not like the service I get from T-Mobile so I am switching carriers however my phone is locked and T-Mobile says apple has to unlock it. I have a eSIM which is different then a SIM card… needless to say this has been a very frustrating experience phone call after phone call to apple a T-Mobile and still can’t get anyone to unlock the phone… anyone have any suggestions. I can’t keep having problems with this phone/carrier per my contract at work which states I need a working reliable phone. Which this carrrier or phone have not been. I need to unlock the phone to be able to switch to a new carrier. Help!