I quit big4 about 10 months ago. I still have 2 laptops from them (one that doesn’t work)

Navigating Equipment Returns After Leaving a Big Company: My Experience

Leaving a major firm, especially one of the Big Four, can be a significant transition. It’s not just about moving on to the next chapter in your career; there are logistics to consider, such as returning company property. After parting ways with my Big Four employer around ten months ago, I’ve found myself in a bit of a bind concerning their equipment.

Upon my departure, I completed a thorough survey detailing the office items I was responsible for, specifically noting that I had two laptops to return—one of which was non-functioning. Given that most of my work was conducted remotely, I requested a shipping label and packaging materials to send the devices back, rather than making a 40-minute trip to the office, complete with parking fees.

I expected a straightforward resolution. However, weeks went by without receiving the shipping materials. After some time, I reached out for assistance, only to be redirected to another department since my contact office was unavailable. The representative assured me that someone would return my call. Unsurprisingly, that callback never occurred.

Fast forward several months, and these laptops are still occupying valuable space in my home office. As I settle into my new job, the clutter has become an increasing distraction, making it clear that something has to change.

While I realize that I should follow up once more, I can’t shake the feeling that returning company property shouldn’t be this complicated. It raises an interesting question about the processes in larger organizations—why is it sometimes so difficult to return what’s no longer needed? As I navigate this situation, I’m left wondering if anyone else has encountered similar experiences with equipment returns in a corporate setting.

If you find yourself in a similar jam, I recommend staying persistent and reaching out until you receive the resolution you need. It shouldn’t be this hard to clear out your workspace and send items back to their rightful owner.