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

Navigating Corporate Equipment Returns: A Personal Experience

Leaving a significant job, especially at a prestigious firm like the Big Four, can come with its own set of challenges. It’s a journey filled with excitement for new beginnings but often accompanied by lingering tasks that were left unfinished.

About ten months ago, I made the decision to leave my position at one of these major firms. In the process, I found myself with two laptops from the company—one of which is no longer functional. When I stepped out, I diligently completed a survey that indicated the equipment I needed to return. In that same survey, I requested shipping labels and boxes to send back the laptops. Since my work was primarily remote, I wanted to avoid the hassle of a 40-minute trek to the office, plus the added expense of parking.

After submitting my request, I anticipated a prompt response. However, days turned into weeks, and soon I realized that the shipping materials had not arrived as expected. I decided to take matters into my own hands and called the company for assistance. Unfortunately, my call was routed to another office, and I was told that someone would reach back out to me. Naturally, this call back never occurred.

Fast forward a few months, and my home office is now cluttered with these unused laptops. With my current job demanding my workspace, these remnants from my past work life are becoming more of a distraction than a relic of my career.

I recognize that I need to reach out to them again to sort this out, but part of me wonders why returning their equipment has turned into such a cumbersome process. It shouldn’t be this difficult to finalize post-employment tasks, especially when it involves something as simple as returning company property.

This experience serves as a reminder of the sometimes-overlooked complexities involved in transitioning from one job to another. If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, know that you’re not alone—and that persistence can often be your best ally in navigating corporate policies.