The retail bike business if rampant with those who entered because of passion. Unfortunately it's also a regressing industry with many LBS closing down due to inability to maintain cash flows and also profits. Many reasons for this, a big one is seen in this forum nearly daily with links to on line resellers.

The warnings about wages isn't complaining but a big heads up. Few lifers (and I'm entering my 46th year in the LBS world) survive well without some other income/support source. The classic is having a smart and successful partner who gets you the (for here in the US) retirement fund, the health insurance and who the bank looks at when it's time for the house purchase. The other is being independently wealthy to begin with

Having said all that I welcome another passionate member to our industry. I do find bike people to be, on average, more pleasant to deal with whether they are suppliers, co workers or customers. Something about our getting endorphins effecting our outlook on life I suspect. But can jerks be found in every corner of the real world too.

I agree with the plan to try to land a job in a LBS or regional chain shop. Spending a season or two chained to a repair stand can do a lot to learn what this business has for the long term. And it is that side of the LBS, the service side, that will best stand up against the otherwise shifting sales seas that are sweeping over every retail world. Do know that when it's nice outside you'll be stuck inside. If you're a cyclist that can be a hard trade off. Andy