Yeah, alot of people tend to master a couple of things in Maya, modelling and texturing, lighting and rendering, Animation, mel Python....

Some people though can gain a huge amount of knowledge in all areas very well, technical director and VFX supervisor types usually have profound knowledge of all areas the software, hence the position they're in. But its really up to you at the end of the day, how much you can take in and how quick you can do stuff....and how good you become

Yeah uvs can be a real pain to alot of people, but it comes with the turf of modelling and texturing...you cant make an omelette without breaking some eggs so....

at the end of the day just go for it, be focused, be prepared for some seriously frustrating times but above all enjoy it, its half the battle.

Jay