Ask HN: C/C++ Knowledge severely needed?

Hi guys,

in university we learn full time Java. At work I learned PHP and a little Bash. Just for myself I learned a lot of Python (I think I can use CPython and Django better than PHP and the company internally developed web framework). But these days in many cases I get the feeling that my lack of middle class languages (C/C++) are a really bad problem. So, do U guys think it is worth investing time I could spent making money, hanging out with friends, working on open source/my blog/other contributions, going deeper in SICP/onLisp or studying more deeply what I learn in university, to get a grip at these 2 languages?

Yes I know it is some knowledge that comes in quite handy, if U have it. But everytime U decide to go a new path U invest a great deal of time, engergy and what U could have gained with walking on known paths. What do U think?

I really need some guidance and some experience reports here! Even if it is not from Urself but some reference to other sources (Blog entries, books who talk about this matter).

Just for Ur time, I thank in advance.

(because english is my second language: spelling and grammar comments are welcome, too)