There is one thing that I find disturbing about this thread. You mention your boss, your employer, and not being able to go out and hustle because you have to be at work but not earning any money, and answering the phones for free. You also say that you are an independent contractor.

I think that your employer has illegally misclassified you as an independent contractor, leaving you to pay the extra taxes and not be covered by workman's compensation insurance.

Joe