Thread regarding Follett layoffs

Actually I've had the bad fortune that the bad and the down right jerks folks to work with have outnumbered the good. But, I learned from everyone so, thanks for the opportunity to work with you all......and you are still hitting the unemployment line.

Well, it's over.

The severance pay has hit the bank so I can say whatever the hell I want about this company with little fear of retribution.

In reality, it was a pretty damn good 35+ years. Mind you, there were down turns, layoffs, the too often worry about your asset getting sold into the oblivion-of-low-paying-crappy-benefits-low-budget ownership of some wall street gang, and plenty of years with shoestring O&M budgets. There were days, weeks, and even sometimes, months of being less than thrilled about my current job situation. But it was always a job. A precious thing when you look around and notice the rest of the world. I needed it more than it needed me and I respected that. This often called crappy company offered me a chance, an opportunity here and there and I grabbed onto a few of them.

If you've read this far, yes, there is a message from this old timer. Most my age already know it and if not, they are likely one of the complaining whiners who needs someone to call the Whhaaaaambulance.

In the long run, your specific attitudes and expectations regarding what the job owes you and, more importantly, what you owe the job, will determine your achievement and success more than anything else.

I've had the good fortune that the good folks to work with have outnumbered the not so good and the down right jerks. But, I learned from everyone so, thanks for the opportunity to work with you all.

Hang in there, and best of luck

You're right about taking control and demanding excellence from your employer just as you demand excellence from yourself.

However, many long tenured employees (I'm personally aware of people with 15, 22, 25 and 26 years), being forced out without severance. To a one, these employees were excellent. They helped others in their stores and they helped other stores' employees. They gave follett what it asked for, continually.

First they became suddenly stupid. They were given assignments without direction but plenty of criticism. They were publicly praised while being officially reprimanded. It was clear they were going to be fired if they didn't resign or simply leave their jobs. That is reality. The company you loved became toxic. It became mean. It pivoted from a values based company to ruthless, heartless professional predator gleefully devouring its employees' careers. THIS follett has failed and is in the process of dying.

Your view of Follett is the same as most employees 4 years ago. Unfortunately I think your view of Follett would be different if you still worked there or had been laid off during the past few years. What if you had been laid off just before retirement with the selection being "random". Follett was a fine company who treated employees respectfully and also the employees returned excellent performance.

Of course everyone is responsible for their careers and there is no marriage between a company and employee, but there is respect for employees and that is the foundation of excellent companies. Talk to some of the employees who were let go or forced out and they will provide much feedback on the last four years and they contributions they made over their careers.

Great Post (original post). Taking responsibility for your career is tough. It's the right thing to do. You owe it yourself.

Thanks Joe Great thoughts!

I for one enjoy my job. I have an awesome manager and team members. Is it perfect? No, but what is? We can't control the corporate decisions,only strive on. We have lost many great coworkers and lost benefits and raises but continue to to the best we possibly can to keep the jobs we have and service the customers.

Thank you for great, positive advise.

Hello Joe St.... from the warehouse.