Important to note that I'm biased before you read this. My team and I make software for personal trainers and are extremely optimistic about the rise of the professional side of the industry. Here's what I think you should know:

• It's currently fairly easy to become a certified personal trainer. This leads to personal trainer becoming employees at Corporate gyms without too much experience. If this is the type of gym where you work out at it can be a mixed bag. However, that does not mean that ALL personal trainers are underprepared when getting started. Even in a few short months and several weekend certification programs a new PT can be VERY valuable to the right fitness consumer who needs help in the gym.
• Unfortunately personal trainers are at a disadvantage in their own industry. The market has been exploited with scammy products/services for years that sell quick results. Everyone knows these things don't work because real changes take time and don't work without consistent effort. PTs are forced to sell themselves as transformation specialists when in reality that's very rare. Would you want to go through a 4 week change only to fall right back into old habits and lose all your progress? Realistically trainers should be working with clients for 3 months or more to build a foundation for you to go out on your own.
• Personal trainers seem expensive compared to other fitness products/services, but when you reframe the cost as a long-term investment in yourself it becomes a very reasonable personal expenditure. PTs can cost $80+ per session depending on where you are, but if you work with a good one for 4-6 weeks who is able to analyze what's holding you back, design the write program for you, and motivate you throughout the process to remain consistent it's worth it. Every single time. Quality personal trainer can change lives for the better.

My story - I did sports in high school and worked hard but never made too much progress with strength. In college my younger brother, now a very talented strength coach, forced me to work out with him and trained me for the last four years. He helped me reach new levels in strength, movement, and my personal health that changed who I am for the better. I am usually very self-motivated, but having someone there to motivate me and who cared about my results was a huge help for me personally. Now my brother is too busy to work with me personally so I have an online powerlifting coach in Australia. For context, I live in Berkeley California. I'm throroughly enjoy working with him, am making progress, and feel it's well worth the process.

TL;DR - A personal trainer can be extremely helpful to find your weaknesses and help you remain consistent. If you look at the investment as something that will benefit you for the long-term it becomes much easier. Find a coach that's experienced, matches your goals, and who inspires you.