The Challenge of Returning Equipment to My Former Employer: A Personal Account

Transitioning from a prestigious position in a Big Four firm can be both liberating and daunting. Nearly ten months ago, I made the decision to leave my role at one of the “Big Four” Accounting firms, and while I have embraced my new professional journey, I’ve found myself facing an unexpected challenge: returning company equipment.

Upon my departure, I was conscientious about returning the assets I had borrowed. I filled out a detailed survey indicating the items I needed to send back, which included two laptops—one of which was no longer functional. Recognizing that my remote work environment made returning these items inconvenient, I specifically requested shipping labels and boxes to facilitate their return. After all, a 40-minute commute to the office, coupled with parking fees, felt unnecessary for what should have been a straightforward process.

After patiently awaiting the arrival of the shipping materials, I grew concerned when they never arrived. I decided to reach out for assistance, but my phone call was rerouted to an unrelated office because no one was available in my department. Although the representative assured me that someone would return my call, I soon realized that I was left in limbo; that promised callback never came.

As time progressed, my need for a tidy and functional home office became increasingly pressing. Those two laptops, which were once vital for my work at Big Four, now occupy valuable space that I desperately need for my current job.

While I understand that returning equipment should be a simple task, my experience has highlighted the frustrations that can arise in the process. I’m gearing up to make another call, but the thought of navigating this issue again leaves me feeling a bit disheartened.

Has anyone else faced similar challenges when trying to return company property? I’m curious to hear how others have handled such situations and if there are effective strategies for ensuring a smoother return process.