So...I won't pretend that i understand all of your post. There are clearly some things that are specific to your region and the kind of work that you do. But there is something I can say, and that is that I understand making a bad decision to work for someone whom you know is abusive.

It seems like you knew he wasn't a good manager or a nice person to work for, but you wanted a promotion, so you took it anyways. The lesson here is that a promotion or job isn't always worth it if the person you work for makes you miserable. Now there are levels of bad managers and misery at work. We all experience it at one point or another. All you can do now is be aware when you interview for your next job and try to get a feel for who the supervisor is and if you feel like it wouldn't be a good working relationship, then maybe that's not the right job for you.

I know it isn't always possible to pass on a job opportunity because we have to work to live. I've been there too. In fact, I'm taking on a client soon that I know will be demanding, but I also know it will be worth it. So I'm just preparing myself for how I will handle them and their high maintenance personality.

Good luck as you look for a new job.

Seesaw