I had a decent paying job during high school working in a machine shop, so I didn't go to college right away. Took a few courses at a community college, but worked full time for 2 years before going away to school.
Getting paid time and a half and double-time running a Bridgeport and CNC machines, I had a new car, street bike, speed boat, and my own apartment. At age 19, Life Was Good. It was mostly 50-72 hour work weeks, but when you're young and money-hungry, you can do that.
I realized however that I didn't want to work in a machine shop anymore. I would visit friends on the weekends who did go away to college, and decided that it was something that I must do.
Sold all my toys, took out loans, and lived off my credit cards to finance college. It was the best thing I could have done. You'll always have time later in life to enjoy your toys. In the group of guys I ride offroad with, the age range is mostly 35-49. Everyone wishes they could ride anytime they wanted, but if you get your priorities in-line at the right stages of life, you'll really be able to enjoy it all over the long haul.
Good luck!