Giving Fightstick a chance(how long?)

I've been using a TE2+ for almost a month now and I haven't gotten much better if at all. I went back to a controller yesterday and couldn't believe how much better my footsies were. Does it generally take this long to get good at stick? It more the left hand part that I'm concerned about. I find dashing and other quick movements to be harder with stick. The right hand feels slightly awkward but I can deal.
So anyway, I will continue to try it but I'm actually considering getting the Hori Fighting Commander 4 to try it out. Anyone have any input?