The Challenge of Returning Equipment After Leaving a Job: A Personal Experience

Leaving a major firm, especially within the Big Four, is often a significant transition in one’s career journey. Approximately ten months ago, I took the plunge and resigned from my position in one of these firms. Along with my departure came a couple of company laptops—one fully functional and the other unfortunately out of commission.

Upon my exit, I thoughtfully completed a survey outlining the equipment I needed to return, indicating my requirement for shipping labels and boxes. As I was primarily working from home, I wanted to avoid the hassle of a lengthy commute—40 minutes each way—plus parking fees just to return a few items.

After a reasonable period of waiting, I realized the shipping materials had not arrived. In an effort to expedite the process, I reached out to their support team. However, my call got rerouted to a different office, which only added to my frustration. I provided my details and was assured that someone would get back to me. Of course, that never happened.

Fast forward a few months, and the presence of these laptops has become rather cumbersome in my home office setup. With my new job demanding more of my workspace, it’s become essential that I declutter and find a solution for these lingering items.

While I acknowledge that a follow-up call is necessary, I can’t help but feel that returning company property should be a more straightforward process. It’s a strange predicament—here I am, wanting to do the right thing, yet facing hurdles that make it more challenging than it should be.

In sharing this experience, I hope to highlight the often overlooked complexities that can arise even after a professional transition. If you’re in a similar situation, stay persistent and organized—it may take a little extra effort, but handling these matters is crucial for your peace of mind in your new role.