I have worked for good bosses, bad bosses, micromanager bosses, power hungry bosses. Customers run the same gambit as bosses do.
Working for folks that don't respect you and believe you bring worth to their organization can really make life miserable.
All that said, we are all 'independent contractors', whether we draw a paycheck or not. We sell our services and talents to someone else
for what we need. Even if it is a lumberjack cutting down trees, farmers in the fields, geeks doing their thing, etc, etc. One boss didn't like
it when I told him I hired him (the company we both worked for) so I could outsource things I didn't like doing (sales, marketing, facilities management,
dealing with retail customers). in return for a consistent supply of usually interesting projects, and a compensation package ($$, benefits, vacation, etc)
that we both deem fair. If a company cannot make money from your efforts, you need to be out the door for their sake. If you don't feel the same about
them, you need to 'lay them off' too!
Our choice is in determining: is the income worth what we get out of the situation, where pay is part of it. If it is, we stay, if not we go.
I have helped 'fire customers' before. You know the ones that consume 20 hours of effort, pay for little or none of it, never refer other customers, and pass the word you are less than top notch. Getting rid of 1 or 2 of those can help the bottom line. The same for suppliers that make life hard and sell basically commodity goods or services. If they take to much time or 'karma' to deal with them, they need to be fired. (Read the book "Nuts!" about management, customers and employees in the startup of Soutwest Airlines.)
I have fired bosses before. I have fired suppliers and customers. None of it is easy, but if they take more than you receive, you must
for 'personal survival', and if you know your business, you will be rewarded for it.
All that said, I think you are smart to find a new 'source of nickles' before cutting this one off.
Remember, you are in charge of your situation, your attitude, and your response to others. Make the best of them for your sake and others!
Once you can, you need to fire this boss, and either start 'consulting', or your own shop, or something to keep you happy at what you do. Life is to short.
I hope this helps a little.