The problem is that CakePHP is so easily deployable, so I need it for client work. (Alot of my clients won't switch hosts, so cakePHP has been a key tool for me).

I'm also not interested in learning yet ANOTHER language/framework now. I'd like to work on something in a larger group that will overlap at least a little with my current work.

Yeah another framework would be good. How about another language?

I think it's critical for developers to continually learn new technologies as they arise. This helps you stay sharp and remain competitive in the marketplace (whether you are an employer or an employee....)

If you just stick to the same framework all the time, you're going to find yourself out of touch with the modern programming world pretty quickly (again, either as an employer or an employee.)

Second this. Instead of looking for a project in a language you're familiar with. Maybe look for a project solving a problem you're familiar with in a language you're not. Then you'll have learned a new language as well. After that, you can look for a new interesting problem in your new language where, presumably, more open source stuff is going on.

ouch!