Navigating the Challenges of Returning Equipment After Leaving a Job

Leaving a job, especially one as demanding as a Big Four firm, can be a challenging experience. It’s not just about transitioning to a new role or finding your footing in a different work environment; it can also involve the logistics of returning company property.

Approximately ten months have passed since I left my position at a Big Four consulting firm, and I still find myself with two laptops, one of which is unfortunately non-functional. When I departed, I completed a survey detailing the equipment in my possession, explicitly requesting shipping labels and boxes for the return. Living in a remote working setup, I was hesitant to make the 40-minute trek back to the office, particularly when parking fees would add up.

After submitting my request, I waited patiently for a response. However, the expected shipping materials never arrived. When I eventually reached out for assistance, my call was redirected to a different office due to a lack of staff availability. The representative I spoke with assured me that someone would contact me shortly, but that follow-up never materialized.

As time passed, the two laptops turned into a growing clutter in my home office—a space I now urgently need for my current job. While I recognize that reaching out again could solve my problem, I can’t help but feel disheartened by how complicated returning these items has become.

The experience has left me questioning why returning company equipment should be such an uphill battle. If you’re in a similar situation, know you’re not alone—sometimes these processes can be more tedious than we expect. If you find yourself with lingering company property after leaving a job, keep pushing for a resolution; after all, your home workspace deserves to be clutter-free.