i agree with kevin.. there's NO way your fren could be paid that amount in consulting workforce..

tat aside, it's true that ACNs' pay is on the high average portion in the industry.. but try calculating ur hourly rate, then u'll realized it's almost da same as wat ur getting outside..

ACN:
RM3500 / 22 working days a month / 11hrs a day (i'm not exaggerating; speaking from exp) = RM 14.46 per hour

Average:
RM2500 / 22 workings days a month / 8 hrs a day (typical) = RM 14.20 per hour

and work life balance, it's really depends on the project as well as your definition of balance.. some ppl may think havin full weekends every week is work/life balance; some might think of everyday going back at 5:30 to spend more time with family as balance.. so it's kinda subjective..

but i guess the most important thing is for u to be happy.. regardless of how much you're earning, if you're not happy with the work you're doing and the company you're working for, salary means little..

my conclusion is ACN is good for u if u:
1) wanna be exposed to MNC working environment and culture
2) gain and learn more of a specific thing (SAP, ERP, etc.)
3) young and no tight family commitments
4) super enthusiastic (with slight kiasu-ness) in learning and performing better than others

n try not to expect collecting enrich points if you're joining in fresh, the possibilities are not that great..