[angersock]

Life is more than a race to see how high you can get into the upper-middle class.

That said, some of the most amazing things and friendships arise from adversity, and don't be surprised if you never have the same experiences as people who went out on the sharp end and did the hard, rushed thing.

Ultimately, do what you think you'll enjoy most--and don't regret it, whatever that turns out to be.

EDIT: Minor quibble with one thing you said--No one wants to take time to analyze a problem before pouncing on it."

Usually a thorough analysis is not worth it, especially if the assumptions and models backing the problem are based in business; these can change, and then you are left with no code and a fascinating insight into a present which no longer exists.

If you're doing a problem set or working through SICP, sure, but at the end of the day, real artists ship.