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

Title: The Frustration of Returning Equipment After Leaving a Company

Leaving a job can be a bittersweet experience, filled with a mix of excitement for new opportunities and the challenge of wrapping up loose ends from the previous role. This past October marked ten months since I parted ways with a Big Four firm, and while I’ve moved on, I’m still wrestling with an unexpected hurdle: the return of company equipment.

Upon my departure, I completed a survey to indicate the items that needed to be returned. Among these were two laptops—one functional and another that is no longer operational. Given that my work situation was primarily remote, I requested shipping labels and boxes to facilitate the return process. The last thing I wanted was to budget time for a 40-minute trip to the office, not to mention the hassle of parking.

Initially, I waited patiently for the shipping materials to arrive. However, as the days turned into weeks without any communication, I reached out for assistance. Unfortunately, my call was redirected to a different office due to a lack of response at my own, where I was assured that someone would call me back. Sadly, that promise fell flat, and no further communication materialized.

Fast forward several months, and I’m confronted with a pressing need to reclaim my home office space for my current job. Those two laptops, which I intended to return promptly, are now occupying valuable real estate in my workspace.

As I contemplate another call to sort this out, I can’t help but feel that returning equipment shouldn’t be such a convoluted process. It’s a surprisingly common struggle when moving on from a job, and learning how to navigate these situations efficiently can save others from similar frustrations.

If you’re in a similar boat, here are a few tips:

1. Document Everything: Keep a record of any correspondence related to returning items, including dates and the names of people you spoke with.

2. Follow Up Regularly: Don’t hesitate to reach out if you don’t receive timely responses. A gentle reminder often helps keep the process moving.

3. Be Persistent: Sometimes, the return process can seem more like a labyrinth than a straightforward task. Stay proactive until it’s resolved.

Navigating the logistics of departing a position can be just as important as the transition itself. As I work to clear my office space of lingering corporate remnants, I remind myself that persistence often leads to resolution. Here’s hoping for a swift conclusion to this chapter!