Imo it's their shit. If they want it back badly enough they can figure out how to get it. They're not paying you anymore so why would you do work for them?
this post was submitted on 17 Dec 2025
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This is the right way
You're not being malicious to tell them that they will need to wait for you to return (unless they are willing to cover shipping).
Yeah, that's my current strategy, and I really hope it doesn't escalate and affect my severance package..
Worst case, if you are under a region where they can, they can deduct the cost of the equipment from your last paycheck. But a lot of places don’t allow companies to do this to employees and under those circumstances, the worst that could happen is them trying to go after you in court for the equipment’s cost after sending you your full paycheck. Most companies won’t go that far and will just remotely try to wipe the device or brick it so it can’t be used and/or data can’t be recovered from it. Though some don’t even go that far and just accept the loss.
Other possibility is if there is sensitive information on the equipment, whether it be stuff like US HIPAA covered data or company secrets. They could get law enforcement involved under some circumstances or may go the extra mile to get a lawsuit against you until you comply.
It’s really not your duty to pay to send it back, especially not show up in person to an office to give it to them. That’s ridiculous they even have that policy, especially what with disgruntled employees who might become violent. Such a stupid, shortsighted decision on their part to have that policy that will lead to future headaches, if not a tragedy with loss of life from some psycho.
They should be sending you a shipping label and box to send back the stuff. All paid for by them. I wouldn’t trust them to pay you back if you paid to send it to them. In this day and age, they should have the capability to do this on their own like my job does to get their shit back, or at least to remotely wipe the devices.
I'd keep the device until they're willing to accept shipping. Since you have a remote role they cannot force you be there physically.
Cover your ass. Find and backup emails/messages/etc where you tell them about your trip plans as well as any acknowledgement from higher-ups. If they try to punish you in any way for not returning the equipment in person, you have evidence that they're acting in bad faith and can take legal action if needed
That's a good idea, thanks!