how the fuck is one supposed to stand not being able to work in their field until late 20s

i chose a career which requires quite a lot of post ba specialization to work. my degree is 4 years + 1 masters + 1/2 yrs of studying hard to pass habilitating exams.

i'm two years behind because i started a ba i didn't like, took a gap year to figure out shit and started my current one.

in my field, people start working at around 25 yrs old (maybe 24 if you're VERY lucky or a prodigy). thats following a linear path. as i'm two years behind i'll probably start working in my field at 27 or so. right now i'm surviving working in hospitality and retail while also studying. fucking. exhausting. it's dedicating a full decade for a mid job with a mid salary. honestly what the fuck?? why are degrees not habilitating in of itself? people get to their first real jobs in their careers already fucking exhausted from life.

has anyone else gone through this? is there light at the end of the tunnel?