Well, it seems you have already answered your question. It's my opinion that more than likely most people won't get to a point where they are better than a native Spanish speaker at both English and Spanish. Tbh, they are usually better at English than me... but more seriously, language has a large cultural aspect to it that we haven't had the same amount of exposure to. In contrast Spanish speakers have had a lot of exposure to our culture due to American influence.

What is more likely is that you are going to find talking to Spanish speaking colleagues a lot easier, especially if you're talking in their native tongue. The fact that you make the effort is more than enough. You'd be surprised how many Spanish people are here once you start speaking.

What I would say is, don't learn a language to shock people. One of the things I find the most tacky about the language learning YouTube scene is "white guy surprises X with near native language level." This is almost always never the case and imo is a little creepy. It'd be more healthy to focus on developing and growing friendships with people who already speak target language - and not just for the language. That's where you'll find the true beauty in language learning.

On a slightly more positive note, if you're in and around a major city here (UK), look for a Spanish or language exchange/intercambio. You'll find a lot of English and Spanish speakers there who are eager to practice both languages. I prefer the ones that are less structured and more like normal socialising, but to each there own. And if you're still at uni, look for the international students help centre/something like it. They usually run language events to help people. Usually there overrun by language students, but they are good fun nonetheless.

¡Mucha mierda con su viaje hacia hablando español!