The Struggles of Returning Tech After Leaving a Big Firm

Leaving a job, especially in a large firm like the Big Four, often comes with its own set of challenges—one of which can involve returning company property. After parting ways with my Big Four employer around ten months ago, I’ve found myself navigating the frustrations of returning company-owned equipment, specifically two laptops—a functional one and another that sadly doesn’t work anymore.

Upon my departure, I filled out a return survey detailing the equipment I still held. I also requested a shipping label and boxes to facilitate the return process. Given that I was working remotely, I preferred to avoid a 40-minute trek to the office, not to mention the added costs of parking.

Initially, I was hopeful. However, my anticipation turned into mild frustration as the promised shipping label and boxes failed to arrive. After a lengthy wait, I decided to reach out via phone. Unfortunately, my call was routed to a different office due to the lack of available staff. The representative kindly noted my contact information and assured me that someone would return my call—but, as expected, I never heard back.

Fast forward a few months, and I now find myself in a bind. My home office is feeling increasingly cluttered with these two laptops taking up valuable space I need for my current job. While I know I should reach out again, I can’t help but feel that the process shouldn’t be this complicated.

In the age of digital communication and streamlined logistics, returning unused tech shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle. I’m left pondering how many others have faced similar roadblocks when trying to return equipment after leaving a job. Have you encountered similar issues, or do you have tips for dealing with corporate logistics? Share your experiences in the comments below!