A good indicator that the economy is improving is when temporary employment agencies are doing lots of hiring. If it's been a few weeks since you have checked in with the temporary agencies, I would start to call around again. I like the idea of your working at temporary agencies right now. I can't think of a better way for you to get some very good exposure to many different industries.

You have not given your current company a chance to respond to your need for more money. You have not given the company a chance to retain a valuable employee, and that is a loss for the company and for you.