On the first skill

The first skill to be had these days is English, not coding, not writing, not videography, not ice-carving.

English expands horizons. If you speak English very well and can do something else, you can probably find opportunities. If you have many skills and know no English, you’re not going anywhere.

English multiplies every other skill that you have. Two developers that have the same level of skill might get paid very differently based on their level of English, and sadly, their accent. Russian accent? There goes 50% of your compensation. German? Now you’re almost worth the full amount.

And that’s for engineering, a career where English has the least effect; Every other skill can get higher rewards with better English.

It’s tough to catch up to English. If you don’t know how to code websites by the age of 25, you can get really good by the age of 26. The same isn’t true for English. It takes a lot of time, and it gets harder.

English is also harder or easier depending on which language you’re starting from. Pronunciation of this language, your accent, matters as much as your grammar, maybe even more.