Navigating the Challenges of Returning Equipment After Leaving a Big Firm

Leaving a large firm can be a significant transition, especially when it comes to returning company property. I experienced this firsthand after my departure from a Big Four Accounting firm about ten months ago.

Upon leaving, I made sure to fill out the required survey detailing the equipment I still possessed, which included two laptops—one of which is no longer functional. Understanding that I was primarily working from home, I indicated on the survey that I would prefer to receive shipping labels and boxes for returning the laptops, rather than making the inconvenient 40-minute commute to the office, including the hassle of parking.

After submitting my request, I patiently awaited the shipping materials, but unfortunately, they never arrived. Eventually, I decided to reach out for assistance, only to be routed to another office due to the lack of response at my own. The representative took down my contact information and assured me that someone would reach out, but, predictably, I never heard back.

Fast forward a few months, and I find myself in a bit of a bind. I need to reclaim my home office space for my current job, yet these two laptops are still taking up valuable room. It’s frustrating that returning company property has turned into such a cumbersome process.

I realize that I will need to follow up with them again, but I can’t shake the feeling that this process shouldn’t have to be this complicated. Have any of you faced similar challenges with returning equipment after leaving a job? How did you handle it? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!