I was in a similar situation not too long ago. I was starting to get really ****ed off, because they would get mad if I didn't do extra chores (like wash/wax the airplane once a week, help with basic mx, a bunch of other stuff etc) I was only getting paid if/when the plane was in the air. One of the problems was that the airplane didn't really fly that much, so the pay was really crappy for a long day of stuff.

They tried to hold this "we'll write you a good reference if you keep helping out" - BS... I said that I can a) get paid a daily rate, independent of whether I flew or not to cover the non-flying items. or b) get paid a decent amount more of flying pay. or c) go to work for someone else that had offered me more.

The choice was clear - see ya! While you are 1099 they aren't an employer as much as you are just contracted for work. You can do the things outlined in the contract or more - it's up to you. Anyways...

Someone had offered me more... two places offered a good amount more which included hardly any of the chores as before. The one company is a dream job (for me) that includes flying a 421 part 91 down around Puerto Rico, Dom Rep, and the Bahamas - all expenses are paid, a very good pay rate, get put up in 5 star resorts. I can't complain - the only 'chores' I have to do are sit on a laptop and file an eAPIS, do weight and balance, plan trips, and just make sure the luggage isn't all out of whack, and deal with customs. Not bad at all!