He was a young man, fresh out of university, eager to start his career. He got the chance to interview for a promising position at a startup in Berlin, with a salary of over €30,000—a figure hard to come by in Italy, especially outside the major cities. But there was one catch: the job required fluency in English. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it past the first interview. His lack of English proficiency ended what could have been a life-changing opportunity.

As always, the story above is not made up and it’s something that really happened to me: I was the one who referred the position to my friend, and having something like that happening to close friends, makes it even more frustrating.

This story isn’t unique, and it highlights an important truth: learning English is no longer optional. It’s not just about landing a good job abroad—it’s about taking control of your future. In today’s globalized world, English is often the key to accessing opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. But it’s not just about English. The larger issue is about getting out of your comfort zone and doing what it takes to improve yourself.

The original post was written for an italian audience, but I figured we can still find some useful learnings.

Why Learning English Is More Than Just a Skill

English has become a universal language in business, technology, and academia. For many jobs, being fluent in English is the bare minimum requirement just to get your foot in the door. But here’s the truth: it’s not just about meeting a requirement. It’s about having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and take what you want.

Far too often, we stick to what’s familiar and stop pushing ourselves because it feels safe. But real growth happens when you’re willing to challenge yourself and embrace the unfamiliar. Learning a language like English opens doors, but it also builds resilience. The more you push yourself, the more you realize what you’re capable of—and that’s where real opportunities come from.

Take What You Want: Learning Beyond Formal Education

Formal education is expensive—both in terms of time and money. We often assume that once we have a degree or some formal training, we’re set. But that mindset keeps us stagnant. Learning doesn’t stop when you leave school. If anything, that’s where it should really start.

Society, family, or the system may not always provide you with everything you need to thrive. It’s up to you to take what’s yours. If you need to learn a new skill, don’t wait for permission or the perfect conditions. Formal education is just a foundation, but you have to build the rest. Learning English—or any other skill—can be done outside the traditional system. The resources are everywhere, and it’s up to you to grab them.

Don’t Let Opportunities Slip By

It’s frustrating to see people miss out on life-changing opportunities because they’re unwilling to step out of their comfort zone. Whether it’s a job interview, a chance to travel, or the ability to connect with people across the world, learning English can be the difference between grabbing an opportunity or letting it slip away.

Don’t let something as avoidable as not knowing English hold you back. If you’re willing to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, the opportunities are endless. It may not be easy, but it’s necessary. Start by reading articles in English, watching your favorite series with subtitles, or listening to podcasts. Every small step helps.

Learning is a Lifelong Journey

This isn’t just about learning English. It’s about embracing a mindset of continuous growth. Getting better at anything requires stepping out of what’s comfortable and being willing to put in the work, even when it’s tough. Don’t settle for what you know now—push for more. And if the system around you isn’t providing what you need, go out and take it yourself.

Learning isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you choose to do. So, start today. The more you push yourself, the more you’ll realize what’s possible.

Ready to step out of your comfort zone and take control of your future? Start learning today and watch as new opportunities unfold.