I'd +1 this answer: find an open-source project, but find one the right size to feel like you are making a difference. I never managed to break into WordPress - the FLOSS I probably use the most - however, doing some scripting (Google Apps Script) for a organisation I volunteer for I've really got into what a fantastic little language JavaScript is and ended up working on a little project with just a few of us contributing (Flubaroo). I'm hoping to start earning with JavaScript eventually - watch this space ...

I can certainly understand where the submitter is coming from, I like all the dots and crosses in place (oh, the luxury of lavishing time on dotting and crossing) but I also appreciate how this can slow things down, and trying to change people is just a world of pain. Talk to the guy; talk to the team; talk to your boss. Work out what the project's trying to achieve: a rock solid low-level bit of code, or a fast and dirty prototype, or something in between. Then try and find your place in amongst it where you can appreciate everyone's contribution ... or go work somewhere else. I worked one place where the dotters and crossers got the OS code and the fast and dirty bunch got to write the apps, and we all rubbed along nicely.