Navigating Equipment Returns After Leaving a Major Corporation: A Personal Experience

Leaving a prominent organization can be a significant transition, especially when it comes to dealing with leftover equipment. About ten months ago, I bid farewell to my position at one of the Big Four firms, and this departure has left me with two laptops, one of which is unfortunately non-functional.

Upon my exit, I completed a survey indicating what equipment I had and clearly requested shipping labels and boxes for the return. My intention was to make the process seamless, particularly since I was primarily working remotely. The thought of commuting forty minutes to the office just to return these devices—complete with parking fees—was far from appealing.

As time went by, I patiently awaited the arrival of the shipping materials, but they never materialized. Eventually, I decided to reach out and inquire about the delay. However, my call was redirected to another office when no one answered at my own. I provided my contact information, with the promise that someone would return my call. Unsurprisingly, that call never came.

Fast forward a few months, and I find myself in need of a more organized home office space for my current role. The two laptops, now a nuisance, are occupying valuable real estate in my workspace.

While I know that reaching out again is the logical next step, it’s frustrating that returning this equipment has turned into such a cumbersome process. It shouldn’t be this challenging to return items that belong to a former employer.

If you’re in a similar situation where equipment from a previous job is cluttering your space, I encourage you to persist and advocate for yourself. It might take a few attempts, but resolving matters like these is essential for a functional work environment.