What to write in a leaving card

Stuck for words and wondering what to write?

Saying goodbye is never easy. Whether it's a colleague moving onto a new opportunity, a friend embarking on an adventure, or a loved one relocating, finding the right words to express your sentiments in a leaving card can be a challenge.

This guide aims to ease that struggle, providing you with helpful tips and suggestions to craft a heartfelt, personal message that conveys your good wishes and fond memories.

Regardless of the reason for their departure, your words can light up their journey, turning a bittersweet farewell into a cherished keepsake.

Example messages for almost any leaving card

As there are so many reasons someone would be leaving a job, moving away or starting a new chapter in their life, it can be difficult to know what to write in a leaving card. Here are some examples of messages that can be adapted for different situations:

Retirement

Retirement marks a major milestone in one's life journey, a transition from a lifetime of work to a season of relaxation and leisure. It's a time for celebration, reflection, and appreciation for the years of dedication and hard work.

Your message in a leaving card for retirement should embody these sentiments, acknowledging their contributions, celebrating their achievements, and wishing them a fulfilling and joyful journey into this new phase of life.

• Congratulations on your retirement! May this new chapter bring you endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Thank you for your years of dedication and hard work.
• Wishing you a long, healthy, and happy retirement! No one deserves it more than you.
• Enjoy your well-earned rest! It's been an honour to work with you and learn from your expertise.
• May your retirement be everything you dreamed it could be. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
• Congratulations on your retirement! May the years ahead bring you joy, relaxation, and many good books.

Relocation to a new city or country

Relocation involves embarking on a new adventure, often characterised by a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of uncertainty. It signifies a significant change, bringing about new experiences, opportunities, and challenges.

When a colleague or friend is leaving their job to relocate, your words in a leaving card should encapsulate the spirit of this transition, offering encouragement, expressing your good wishes for their journey, and acknowledging the bond that distance cannot sever.

• Wishing you all the best on your new adventure. May your new home bring you joy, prosperity and comfort.
• Although we're miles apart, our memories will forever be close in our hearts. Wishing you all the best in your new location.
• Although it's sad to see you go, I know that exciting things await you. May your journey be filled with joy and success.
• Good luck with your new journey. We will miss you, but we look forward to hearing about your new adventures.
• As you embark on your new journey, remember that you're loved and will be missed. Wishing you all the best in your new adventure.

Leaving to have a baby

Leaving a job to have a baby marks an exciting and life-changing event. It is a period filled with joyful anticipation, coupled with the responsibilities and transformations that parenthood brings.

Your message in a leaving card for this occasion should express your heartfelt congratulatory wishes, and convey your support and best wishes for this new chapter in their life.

In such a momentous journey, your warm words can serve as a cherished token of affection, goodwill, and shared happiness.

• Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy! May this new chapter in your life bring you even more love and happiness.
• A new baby is like a blank book, and you are the author. Here's to writing a beautiful story. Congratulations!
• Your life is about to pick up pace, enjoy the ride and the new little face. Best wishes as you leave to have a baby!
• As you step into this exciting journey of parenthood, remember to enjoy each moment. It will be over before you know it. Congratulations!
• Congratulations on your upcoming little one! Wishing you all the happiness that parenthood brings.

Career switch

Switching careers introduces a wave of transformation, characterised by a thirst for new challenges and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. It's a brave step into unfamiliar territory, fuelled by ambition, passion, and the desire for growth.

When someone is leaving a job to switch careers, your message in a leaving card should mirror their courage and determination, offering your wholehearted support and best wishes for this exciting new journey they're about to embark on.

• Believe in yourself as you start your new job. Wishing you all the best in your new career.
• Embrace the new challenges that come your way. Wishing you all the best on your new career path.
• May your new job bring fresh experiences and opportunities. Wishing you all the best in your career change.
• Cheers to new beginnings and exciting challenges. Wishing you success and happiness in your new career.
• Congratulations on your bold move. May you find satisfaction and joy in your new career.

Leaving for an exciting new job opportunity

Moving on to a new job opportunity signifies a promising chapter of growth, aspirations, and progress. This transition is often fuelled by the desire for professional advancement, the pursuit of new challenges, or a change in work environment.

As someone leaves their current role to seize this new venture, your message on a leaving card should reflect their ambition, commend their decision, and express your enthusiastic wishes for their success in this thrilling new phase of their career.

• Congratulations on your new job! May this opportunity bring you success and happiness.
• Your talent will truly be an asset to your new company. Wishing you much success in your new job.
• Chase your dreams in your new job, sky is the limit! Best of luck in your new role.
• Your new job is a perfect match for you. May you enjoy this exciting new chapter in your career.
• You were too good for this place! Congratulations on moving on to greener pastures.

Promotion

Attaining a promotion represents a pivotal moment of recognition and professional growth. It's a testament to one's hard work, perseverance, and valuable contributions to the workplace. As someone progresses from their current role to a higher position, it signifies not only an elevated set of responsibilities, but also a validation of their skills and capabilities.

When they are leaving a job for a promotion, your message in a leaving card should celebrate their achievement, pay tribute to their diligence, and convey your well wishes for continued success in their elevated role.

• Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. Wishing you continued success in your new role.
• Your promotion is a testament to your commitment and expertise. May this new position bring you joy, challenge, and fulfillment.
• You've climbed the ranks with your dedication and perseverance. Best of luck in your new role, you will be greatly missed!
• Congratulations on achieving a great milestone in your career, the journey is just beginning. Wishing you all the success in your new role.
• Your promotion truly marks a pivotal step in your career path. Wishing you all the best as you undertake your new responsibilities.

Starting a new educational journey

Starting a new education journey, like going to university or embarking on post-graduate studies, is a momentous occasion that is both exciting and perhaps a little daunting. Let them know that you're rooting for them with a message such as:

• Congratulations on your decision to pursue further education! May this journey be full of learning, growth, and success.
• The road to acquiring knowledge is a beautiful journey. May you enjoy every single step of the way. Good luck!
• Education is a powerful tool. As you head back to full-time study, may you harness its power to achieve your dreams.
• May your thirst for knowledge deepen and your horizons expand. Best of luck in your studies.
• Education opens up the mind to new possibilities. As you embark on this journey, may you find endless opportunities. Wishing you all the best in your studies.

Who will you be sending the message to?

Here are some carefully crafted examples of messages that you can use to send to different people, depending on your unique relationship and connection with them. These thoughtful messages have been designed to strike the perfect balance between warmth, sincerity, and personalisation.

By incorporating these messages into your communications, you can strengthen your bond and make the recipient feel truly valued and appreciated. Take a moment to explore these diverse examples and choose the one that best suits your specific situation and the person you are reaching out to.

Co-worker

• It's been a pleasure working with you. May your new job bring you joy and fulfillment.
• We thought you'd never leave!
• Your departure will be greatly missed. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
• Your contribution to our team has been invaluable. The new workplace is lucky to have you!
• I will miss our coffee breaks and chats! Wishing you lots of success and keep in touch!
• As you turn the page in your career, remember that you'll always have a friend and colleague here. Best of luck in your new adventure!

Colleague

• Your guidance and mentorship have been invaluable. Thank you for everything, and best wishes in your new position!
• I've always admired your dedication and professionalism. I have no doubt you'll be a great asset to your new workplace.
• Farewell to a fantastic colleague. Your new workplace is gaining a gem!
• It's been a pleasure to collaborate with you. I wish you the best in your new professional adventure!
• The office won't be the same without you. Best wishes for your new journey!

Work bestie

• Having you as my work bestie made the office a fun place. Promise me you won't forget our crazy times together. Good luck in your new job!
• A wise woman once said fuck this shit and found another job - You are that wise woman!
• You've been more than just a colleague; you've been a true friend. I can't wait to see all the success that's in store for you.
• Congrats on getting out of this shit hole!
• I'll miss our lunches and coffee breaks! Here's to new beginnings and great success in your new job.
• Farewell to the best work buddy anyone could ask for. Wishing you all the best in your new adventure!
• You're way too talented for this place anyways. Go show your new job how it's done, bestie!

Friend

• Change can be scary, but I know that you are fully capable of handling whatever comes next. Go ahead, and conquer the world!
• Judas!
• It's not going to be the same without you, but I'm excited for your new chapter. You've got this!
• This new job deserves someone as dedicated as you. I'm sure you'll thrive in your new environment. Best of luck!
• You've been a fantastic friend, and I know you'll be an even better employee. Here's to your successful career ahead!
• Please don't leave me with these arseholes!
• Congratulations on your new job! Your success is no surprise. I'm really proud of you, buddy!

Boss / Manager

• Your guidance and support have been instrumental in my professional growth. As you move on to your new journey, I wish you the best of luck.
• Your departure is a significant loss to this company. Your new team is gaining a fantastic leader. Best wishes!
• You've been a great manager and a mentor. Wishing you success and happiness in your new journey.
• Your presence, leadership, and sense of humour will be greatly missed here. Best of luck in your new endeavour.
• A great boss is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. Thank you for being that boss. Best wishes on your next adventure!

Employees when you're the boss

• Your contribution to our team has been significant and will not be forgotten. Good luck in your new role, I am certain you will excel.
• You've been an integral part of our team, and your departure will be felt deeply. May your new job bring you joy and success.
• I have been fortunate to have you as part of our team. Your skills and talents will be greatly missed. Good luck in your new job!
• I'm confident that your new role will bring new challenges that you'll surely conquer. Good luck and we'll miss your valuable contributions.
• I've watched you grow and succeed in your time here, and I have no doubt that this trend will continue in your new position. I wish you the best on your new journey.

Expectant parent

• Your new baby is about to make your world a whole lot brighter. Wishing you all the joy this wonderful journey brings.
• Just a few more weeks and the littlest feet will make the biggest footprints in your heart. Can't wait to meet your bundle of joy!
• Here's to new beginnings and tiny toes. Best of luck with the delivery and the exciting times ahead!
• The long wait is almost over, and soon you'll hold your little star in your arms. Sending you my very best wishes!
• There's nothing quite so sweet as tiny little baby feet. Best of luck on the upcoming arrival of your new baby.

Types of leaving messages and wishes

Funny

• Now, who will I gossip with during coffee breaks? Save a seat for me at your new place!
• Leaving? It's about time you fucked off!
• Good luck finding colleagues as weird as us in your new job!
• A wise man once said fuck this shit and found another job - You are that wise man!
• You're leaving? Pardon my selfish tears. I believed you are chained to your desk. Good luck in busting free!
• You spend so much time in the bathroom we thought you'd already left!
• Remember to work just hard enough at your new job to avoid getting fired. Best of luck!
• I've been promoted to your 'ex-colleague.' You'll be dearly missed, buddy!
• Leaving already? But who will finish all the donuts in the break room now?

Puns

• So you're leaving? I guess it's time for a clean 'break', but don't forget us when you're mopping up the success!
• Waddle I do without you?
• I'm 're-leafed' that you found a new opportunity, but we'll 'miss-tree' you here!
• For fox sake you're leaving!
• Donut leave us! How will we cope without you. Hope your new job is a 'hole' lot of fun!
• Just 'lettuce' know how you're doing at your new job, don't forget to 'romaine' in touch!
• You 'mocha' big difference here! Best 'espresso' wishes for your new job!
• You're leaving to 'excel' elsewhere, but remember - we're just a 'cell' away if you need us!

Short

• Wishing you great success in your new role. We'll miss you!
• Thank you for being all kinds of amazing!
• All the best for your new journey ahead. Keep shining!
• Your new workplace is lucky to have you. Best wishes!
• It's gunna be shit here without you!
• Good luck on your new adventure. You will be missed!
• Don't go, we actually like you!
• May success follow you to your new job. Farewell, and take care!

Bon Voyage Messages

• Bon voyage! May your journey be filled with exciting new opportunities and adventures!
• As you embark on this new journey, remember that success is a process, not a destination. Bon voyage!
• May your voyage be full of excitement and less of turbulence! Bon voyage, and good luck with everything that comes your way.
• As you set sail on your new job, remember that there's no limit to what you can achieve. Bon voyage and best of luck!
• Cheerio and bon voyage! May your new job be all that you dream of and more.

Conclusion: How to write a leaving message

In conclusion, choosing the right words to express your feelings in a leaving card can be a challenging task. This guide provides a variety of options, from heartfelt to humorous, to match different relationships and contexts.

Whether you're bidding farewell to a friend, boss, or coworker, the appropriate message can convey your appreciation and well wishes for their next chapter. Just remember, the most impactful messages are sincere and personalised, reflecting your unique bond with the individual.

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