When I think of numerous friends that spent 3, 4, 5 years learning seriously in yeshiva, and then pursued an education (not at the same time of course), and are now serious talmidei chachamim that support their families with respectable incomes, are koveya itim latorah, give shiurim, give generously, are involved in chesed and in leadership roles in the local schools and shuls, I think, wow, these are the people that I find inspiring and that I believe will inspire my children.
It sounds really nice, and it’s true in many cases, but the reality is that someone has a much better chance of being a serious Ben Torah if he dedicated more than just 3 or 4 years to full time learning.