The frustration of never being good enough at any one instrument became overwhelming, and fears of not being able to earn a living as just a flute player began to fade. Five years ago I played my last Dixieland gig as a clarinet player, announced that this was the last time that I would be swabbing the clarinet, and that was that. The case has never been re-opened. The following year was spent studying in London and practicing from six to eight hours each day. I discovered what I knew had been missing, and I have never been more pleased with my humble playing skills.
Good music is made by musicians who love what they are doing.
If you find that love through doubling, then go for it and love it. There are many times when the piano player is expected to play the role of accompaniment but, more often than not, the two voices function as equal partners. I can't count the number of times that I have been saved on stage by an astute piano player who was able to compensate for one of my blunders. I try at all times to keep in mind that we are an equal partnership, and then act accordingly. In rehearsal I encourage input from the piano player on all aspects of the music.