Navigating the Challenges of Equipment Returns After Leaving a Big Firm

Leaving a large Accounting firm can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to dealing with company property. I made the decision to part ways with one of the Big Four firms about ten months ago, and since then, I’ve been holding onto two laptops—one of which is no longer functional.

Upon my departure, I completed a survey outlining the company equipment I needed to return. I specifically indicated that I required shipping labels and boxes to facilitate the return process, as I was primarily working remotely. Traveling 40 minutes to the office, coupled with the costs of parking, was simply not an ideal option.

Initially, I waited patiently for the requested shipping materials to arrive, but unfortunately, they never did. After some time, I decided to reach out for assistance. However, my call was rerouted to a different office, and despite the representative taking my contact information and assuring me I would receive a call back, that promise went unfulfilled.

Now, several months later, my home office space has become cluttered with these laptops, and I’m aware that I need to resolve this situation once and for all. I recognize that I should make another attempt to call and sort this out, yet I can’t help but feel frustrated by how complicated returning company property should be.

This experience has highlighted just how challenging it can be to manage returns after leaving a large organization. For others who find themselves in a similar predicament, it may be beneficial to keep a record of communications and remain persistent until the issue is resolved. Ultimately, it shouldn’t feel this difficult to clear out your workspace and return what is owed!