Is anyone familiar with how Follett handles store managers when a contract is lost? Do they help them find a new position within the company, or are they simply let go? I’m thinking I may be facing this in the next few months.
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RE: Ivy Tech, as sh–ty as it sounds, that depended a LOT on which store manager you were, how much they wanted to work with you, potentially staying. Glad I opted to leave.
No way I would even consider transferring with this company. One SM transferred to a store in our region not knowing it was going to be shut down. RM knew and kept their mouth shut. SM relocated to this store and is now out of a job.
Is another company taking over the on campus presence of your store? If so then your best bet might be seeing what they offer you. Most of the time when another bookstore company is coming in the university/college will make it a requirement within the RFP that a job offer is extended to the current staff. The only time that doesn't happen is if the current staff is so terribly bad that the university/college wants that staff gone for good. As someone who has worked for Follett but has worked even longer for Barnes & Noble College (and currently works for them) that offer happens on both sides. The current client I work with used to contract Follett and that contract was a little over 10 years. When B&N came in they interviewed all SMs at each campus. 2 were offered SM jobs and accepted, another didn't stick around to be offered one and the other 2 were not offered jobs based on the recommendation of the client (these 2 happen to have the poorest performing stores in terms of service, overall upkeep, campus relations, etc). I guess there's 2 different questions and that really depends upon your situation - do you want to remain loyal to the company you've been working with and hope to find another location (which might me relocation) or do you want to stay put where you are i.e. campus, city regardless who you work for?
You might get help, but ONLY if you are willing to relocate. If you apply internally for another open SM position, your RM will be contacted first and his or her recommendation will likely be followed.
You might get helped, but it could be far away from your previous store.
You are on your own. While they'd hate to lose you, unless you have a new store opening in your region they'll offer a severance that amounts to very little. Heard from someone with ten years, the severance was under 2k. But that was offered, not a guarantee.
Having heard that one RM didn't inform the SM until the last minute that the store was closing, I'd say we're pretty much on our own.
Good luck 🍀
It might depend on your RM. I remember when the Ivy Tech stores were closing, someone mentioned that they asked their regional about going to another store close by and he said something like they had it covered and good luck. So if you're in the Midwest, you are probably out of luck.
I think a lot of us are thinking the same thing. I have no idea how they handle that. Hoping for the best but not counting on it. Keeping my eyes open for other opportunities.