Personal employment question

I've worked as an estimation and sales guy in a trades field for about 6 years now. I like my work but the boss makes it so terrible that basically everyone who works here is physically sick, whether its panic attacks, heart problems, GI issues, or other neurological issues.

My question is this: When will the economy be good enough that I can start risking the job hunt? I've been a slave here for a long time, but the disrespect I'm treated with is beyond what anyone would call reasonable. But I have a mortgage to pay. Is now the right time for me to start looking? I work VERY hard and VERY smart, I want an employer who pays a wage that would enable me to have a family (all I've ever wanted), and who treats me like a free man, not a literal slave.