The Frustration of Returning Company Equipment: My Experience with Big Four Firms

Leaving a major Accounting firm can be a significant life transition, but what complicates that experience is the arduous process of returning company property.

It has been nearly ten months since I departed from my position at one of the Big Four firms, and the remnants of my time there still linger in the form of two laptops—one of which is non-functional. When I left, I took the initiative to fill out a survey outlining the equipment I needed to return. Understanding that my work environment was primarily remote, I made a request for a shipping label and boxes to facilitate the return, hoping to avoid the hassle of a 40-minute commute to the office, not to mention the parking fees.

Initially, I was patient, expecting the shipping materials to arrive promptly. However, my wait turned into frustration as no label or boxes ever materialized. After a while, I decided to reach out via phone for assistance. Unfortunately, my call was redirected to another office, where an employee took down my details with assurances that someone would reach out to me. Spoiler alert: that call never came.

Months have passed since my initial request, and now, with the need for a more organized home office for my current job, these two laptops are becoming a source of clutter. The thought of having to call yet again fills me with reluctance. It’s disheartening to think that returning company property can feel like an uphill battle.

This experience has left me questioning why companies, especially those of this scale, make the return process so convoluted. It shouldn’t have to be this challenging. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to persist, but know that you’re not alone in navigating this frustrating aspect of transitioning away from a corporate environment.