Like many articles on classical musicians, one of the inferences is that the endgame for instrumentalists is “winning” a full-time orchestra job. This is probably even truer for certain instruments where there are fewer freelance options. But just from my own anecdotal experience having lived my life on the fringes of this industry, it’s important to note that a significant percentage of instrumentalists do not look for orchestral careers. My own daughter could have (or could still if she wanted to) go after and likely win such a job, but she is firmly in the camp of those who prefer a more varied career. Looking at her “class” of friends (around her age, which is 26, two years out of Masters), all of whom went to conservatories like Juilliard, Curtis, NEC, etc., about half have gone on to jobs in major orchestras (or are still on the audition circuit/taking trial jobs) and the rest have chosen varied freelance careers that include multiple performing/touring ensembles, some chamber orchestra work, sometimes part-time full orchestra work, and of course teaching. A few friends have gone totally to the Broadway and touring show circuit, which is highly lucrative (although artistically not something my daughter would be interested in.) And, of course, some have left music for medical school, law school, the business world. All are fine choices.