I would start looking now.

But I would also address the issue of your criteria for a job. The part that concerns me is: 'none of the companies I really wanted to work for were interested in me'. What did those companies have that made you want to work for them?

You need to define what work culture you need, what opportunities you want (i.e. is a job with no growth sufficient), how much money you want or need. I typically put a monetary aspect to each, so I can make a quantitative decisions, and not convinced by a slick HR person.

Definitely, start looking. But start a=by quantifying your need, you might find your current company can fulfill it with a minor adjustment.