He owns a small franchise. I am his only rep. All of the money his franchise makes is through my work. Last week I told him I need to find something more sustainable, so I will be leaving. He's always been a bit ill-mannered, but he's been super pissy since then.
Today he was continuing to be unreasonable, and then he made his dumbest error in judgement: He threatened me with a poor reference when a potential employer calls to ask about me.
I UNLOADED ON HIM. I told him to pay me what he owes me, and not to speak to me again. I also told him that his behavior is a big part of why I'm leaving.
Tomorrow I will inform the regional manager of the franchise what he's been up to, and I will ask him to be my reference for future employers. This will be easy enough as I've maintained a fantastic relationship with them whereas my boss has only ever hassled them.
I am a level-headed, very respectful person and I love to form and maintain great relationships with everyone I see regularly. But I absolutely will not tolerate threats.