Being any good at crime is really hard no matter what age you are in. It's "easy" in that you don't have to follow social rules and you can do what you want. But for the most part you are poor and surrounded by violence. And if you screw up you get arrested. You don't just go talk to your boss in his or her office.
Its a skillset like any other. Just with much more brutal repercussions.
I get the sentiment though.. you'd rather steal and not work for your money.