Double Bass Getting a steady classical gig - hard or not

[sleeper]

I couldn't agree more with you here. But ...I think the deccreasing competition will also be affected by the fact that the sypmphony orchestra as an institutuion is a sinking ship. In toadys market how can a symphony compete with peoples constant dwindling attention spans and obsessions with button pushing and instant gratification.
I have often wondered , how long will it last, this job I have of playing mostly music from 1790-1950.
I love the symphony but I see the writing on the wall.
I think in 20-30 years there will only be half of the orchestras in full time work than are today.

I hope I'm wrong

I hope your wrong aswell