[Jean-Paul]

The only reason I asked about your age is that in your 20's you don't mind working for close to minimum for job experience, but usually in your 30's you have families to support or more financial obligations in general, making it hard to start all over fresh. If you don't mind starting fresh and you have some financial cushion (like a spouse with some financial stability and lots of patience), then I would think that Ballys would still be a good experience.

You almost have to have the maddening experience of a big box gym so you can learn what NOT to do once you break off on your own. Mills like that where they have to keep up ridiculous quotas that they rarely keep don't attract those looking for long term security.

This isn't a great field for non-risk takers. You really need to be prepared for some dry spells and sock any extra money you make away for the lean periods. I have seen people with what looked on the outside to be healthy businesses with lots of clients fold within a couple of months with one wrong move. How I avoided a similar fate with my previous manage-by-the-seat-of-my-pants style I will never know (but always appreciate).