At 28 i could have stayed in Koh Tao and worked as a dive instructor, but I didn't want to throw away a good career in London, i went back, others with little prospects stayed. Glad i went back, i still had good hols every year until i decided to retire, still early.
I would say it's likely a mistake to come too young because much more difficult to earn the kind of money you can get in farangland