I was very impressed with those folks, younger than my own kids (who I am impressed with as well, of course).
For my own part I taught at a university during my 20s and then dropped out to work in software- changing life around has been very helpful. I can relate to doing something difficult for a while and then moving on when you've figured it out and see that it might not be the path to where you want to go. I hope it left you better for having the experience.
I agree with you that it’s a great job for anyone who can stomach it—especially early in their career.
Kind of like how people say everyone should work in the service industry at least once. I think caring for and serving others is messy work that forges a beautiful soul.