Thats always the dilemma- when you're a student with the body and energy and time- cant afford to play because you have no income.
When you start working and have money to play- your body is too old you're not as fit and you have girlfriend wife etc that'll take up your time.
Its a fine balance. Still its better to start young.
Ollie Lang and Alex Fraige started playing when they were 14 and by the time they were 20 they and
Dynasty were World Champions many times over.