When do you stop looking

[Turion]

I have not yet been shafted, kept hanging on for weeks while the client buggers about, only to be told the budget isn't approved / the project is cancelled / they filled it internally / it all went quiet

I was kept hanging on from early December '07 to mid January '08 by a consultancy for a job that they never had approval for.

You don't let that happen twice.

WHS+ it's better to shaft than be shafted

[FarmerPalmer]

These days I check my job emails/rss feeds every day, whether in contract or not.

WHS

[Not So Wise]

Generally stop looking about week after the contract starts, as by then I should know for sure if contract will last, and more importantly if I will last in the contract without going "postal"

[BlasterBates]

Continue actively looking until you sign a contract.

Between a verbal offer and signing a bit of paper there isn't usually more than a day, simply because they want you to commit. If not it isn't really a cert.

[Cheshire Cat]

I tend to agree with the "always looking" group.
I'm never completely assured that my contract is secure, although when I'm very busy in a contract I probably only check the job sites once per week and don't actively apply.

[Grinder]

Keep looking actively right up until your bum is in the seat, and proactively keep in touch with your favourite pimp/s throughout the contract because if they know you are in contract they will know you are worthy of their attention.