Don't know if this has been said yet, sure are a lot of comments on this thread, but to the OP I would contribute: Of course it's going to be a challenge to go from the place you understand and are comfortable to a place where many things are new and strange. And C# and C++ are very nearly the same language, like learning Spanish if you know English -- spend some time in Japan if you want a real jolt. The key is to not make VALUE judgements on the design of the language (whether C++ or Haskell or Lisp or Prolog or ...). Computer languages are not like human languages, they're more like life forms evolving on islands, like those lizards in the Galapagos. They make sense only if you follow their unique evolution; you can't really say a Galapagos lizard is a freak because it doesn't have a pouch like a platypus. A penguin thinks they're BOTH freaks. If you have mastered C# you will master C++ in time. If you are open-minded about it you will come to respect its unique power and beauty. You may never PREFER it, but you will learn from it, and you will be a better programmer for the effort. Best of luck to you.