I got sent this article from a mate (thanks Jeff), so I was obliged to read it
.
http://www.pluginaweek.org/2006/12/14/do-your-first-startup-while-youre-still-a-student/It's a pretty good article, and addresses most of the reasons why I reckon now's the best time to screw around, startup, and have fun in the process.
The one other reason I'd add to the list is that while you're still in college, you're still young and stupid. The real world hasn't yet had a change to influence you yet. You're still hopeful of things that older people think are impossible, and better yet, you're still undeterred by the fear of the 'real world', ambitious and crazy enough to go and have a crack. You haven't grown rigid in the way the world works, you believe in the power you have and the difference you can make. You're also more open, and because of your innocence, the corporate world often realises the change you can bring, that you represent the next generation, and you find out that the 'real world' isn't that mean, scary and nasty. This, mixed in with determination and drive, gives us an edge over the vast majority of those sucked in by the 'real world', working 9-5 doing mundane tasks, never questioning anything, taking orders, living routine lives, and failing to see what they could really be doing.
From the article, on starting up:
"Congratulations. You’re doing what you’re passionate about, and
that’s more than what 90% of the people in the world can say. As one of
my mentors once said, “There’s no greater company to work for than the
one you helped build.” And hey…if it doesn’t work out, you can always
go work for someone else—at least you tried. Trying is what separates entrepreneurs from everyone else.
Keep trying."