If you're over 50, stay on board and hang in there. If you are younger- seek a different field of work. Why--the college bookstore model is simply headed for extinction. Book sales are declining each year and future models are suggesting the transferring of knowledge without texts. Leading companies in this industry have created a financial model which isn't substainable, driven by the raising of rents to colleges in an attempt to gain market share with unsubstantiated proof and modeling that this formula can create short or even long range profitability. Paying out a commission over 12% while also providing capital for renovations and paying penalties to publishers for returns combined with forecasted decreases in enrollment in the U.S. Colleges defines the certain looming doom for this business.
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Ditto it happen to me - "fight your unemployment benefits- and yes they will fight! and yes I won the claim!!"
Oh yea been there and had it happen to me too, There is a brighter future for the 50 plus out there, somewhere were you are appreciated with less stress and hours and better pay. If you think your safe, think twice and keep track of everything. It will come in handy when they try to fight your unemployment benefits- and yes they will fight! and yes I won the claim!!
God I'm so glad I don't work for this company anymore and yes there are other job out there and yes they do pay more then F-Mart. Don't be chicken shirt go for it. It's not like you mark big bucks, I know that most managers only mark around 50 per year and some managers make only high 30's and they are running a 3 to 4 million dollar store. There's one store manager who makes around the mid 30's maybe $38 if she's lucky,Follett offered me $65 per year. "BSU" hint hint, the manager is getting screwed big time by the great company she works for and speaks so highly of. Follett must think she needs her job more then they need her....
Any word on the age discrimination lawsuits?
After getting out, I have no idea why myself or anyone would want to work for a college bookstore company. There is a reasonable amount of flexibility during the down times, but the future outlook is grim and the majority of the business is stressful and frustrating. The glass ceiling in the book business is pretty low
They targeted the 50+ demographic before, and they'll do it again. If you're over 50, better start looking now. It's is twice as hard to find work. You'll be taking a pay cut. You'll be starting over. It isn't fun and it isn't easy. The only thing that will be harder to do (professionally) is looking for work when you're 55 or 60. Follett betrayed its long term employees. By staying, you're A- complicit in the betrayal and B- fooling yourself thinking you weren't considered for termination. When numbers get tough, the VPs aren't going anywhere. If you're over 50 and if you have more than 20 years into Follet, you're next up. Those are the ugly facts.
Oh I know they will get rid of you. Believe me I know.
If you are anywhere near 50, they will be looking to get rid of you