So, in olden times, the bochur, whatever his age was, would be given a year to prepare – get a house, have a job or business. It was often continue himself in the profession his father was, possibly getting funds from relatives to start on his own, if it was a capital-intensive business. The ketubah would be guaranteed, originally, from the set aside funds and later form all his properties. So, in the earlier system, the guy should at least have 200 zuz saved.
Maybe the same should be the criterion: he should at least be applying himself towards a way to support the family. Say, be in a medical school, or taking computer programming courses. If he has nothing except vague plans, what is a collateral for the ketubah?