Navigating Equipment Returns After Leaving the Big Four: A Personal Experience

Leaving a major firm can be quite an experience, and while it often feels like a fresh start, there can be lingering connections that you just can’t shake off—like returning company property. Ten months ago, I transitioned away from one of the Big Four firms, yet I still find myself holding onto two laptops from my time there. One of these devices is no longer functional, but I have yet to return either.

Upon my departure, I completed a survey detailing the equipment I had, specifically requesting shipping labels and boxes for the return. Given my remote work lifestyle and the inconvenient 40-minute journey to the office, I opted for this option to return the laptops without the added hassle of commuting and parking costs.

Unfortunately, despite my patience, the promised shipping materials never arrived. After some time, I decided to follow up with a phone call. My call was redirected to another office due to a lack of response at my initial point of contact. The individual I spoke to took my number, assuring me that someone would return my call. Predictably, that call never came.

Fast-forward to the present, and my home office is starting to feel cramped with these two laptops taking up valuable space. It’s clear that I need to reach out once more to resolve this issue. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that returning company property shouldn’t be this complicated.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from this experience, it’s the importance of persistence. For anyone out there facing a similar dilemma, don’t hesitate to keep pushing until you get the resolution you need. It’s essential to reclaim your workspace and find closure after a significant career change.