You could probably build something decent for CAD$1000. Canada computers often have massive discounts on a lot of items. US$700 to CAD$1000 is not that far apart. The console would probably still be more performant but the point is, the prices are not that far apart anymore.
To skirt Canadian employment laws, a previous employer gave me unrealistic targets and even when I acheived them she would say I’m underperforming. This exists in every country. Employers will always find a way to make it look like the employee quit of their own volition.