The Frustration of Returning Company Property: My Experience with Big 4

Leaving a job can be a bittersweet experience, especially when it comes to the logistics of returning company property. Nearly ten months have passed since I bid farewell to my position at a Big 4 Accounting firm, yet I find myself still in possession of two laptops—one of which is nonfunctional.

Upon my departure, I responsibly filled out a survey to disclose the equipment that needed to be returned, specifically noting that I required shipping labels and boxes for the safe return of my laptops. The remote nature of my work made the prospect of a 40-minute commute to their office, along with parking costs, quite unappealing.

After a period of anticipation, I realized that the shipping materials had yet to arrive. I reached out to the company, but my call was unexpectedly routed to a different office. A representative noted my contact information and assured me that someone would follow up—but, predictably, that never happened.

Fast forward several months, and I now find myself at a crossroads. My home office, which I need for my current role, is cluttered with these laptops. It’s frustrating to realize that what should be a straightforward process has turned into an unnecessary hassle.

While a follow-up call seems like the obvious next step, I can’t help but feel that returning items I no longer need should not be this complicated. It’s a classic example of how the complexities of corporate bureaucracy can create roadblocks, even after parting ways with an employer. I look forward to finally clearing my workspace and closing this chapter for good.