I do agree with you that in “normal” times, John should probably pass on this one. Unfortunately, these are not normal times and John could burn through his savings before another good offer comes along.

Your advice is great, plus I would add that John should try to cultivate as open a line of communication as possible with the manager. Even controlling managers need to communicate, and how John reacts and participates in the communication will be important.

This could be a real learning experience for John–there are toxic managers everywhere–and I would recommend that John approach his new job as such, and learn all he can on how to handle this kind of manager.