[mackraken]

Yes, but spend sometime hunting for your next jump. For what you're interested in, you'll need either some pretty significant open source contributions or a degree. Study what opportunities are available, plan and then execute.

[hacknat]

Would you recommend doing my own thing or helping out on a high-visibility project? Both?

[egor83]

If you're working on an existing project, you get involved with something more complex right away, and get in touch with other experienced and driven people - and such connection can lead to a good job opportunities as well.

Speaking of your own thing - if there are other people interested in it and actually using it, maybe sticking to it would be a good idea, too.