The leaving card lands on your desk with a sticky note saying "please sign by 3pm", and suddenly you have to sum up two years of working together in a sentence. Here are leaving card messages for every situation — a close work friend, a manager, someone you barely know, a funny colleague or someone heading off to retire.
How to write a leaving card message
- Use their name. It instantly makes the message personal.
- Mention something specific — a project, a habit, a running joke or their famous banana bread.
- Wish them well in their next role or adventure.
- Sign with your full name if it's a big team.
Two lines is plenty. Leaving cards fill up fast.
Short leaving card messages
Good luck in your new job! You'll be brilliant.
Sorry to see you go — best of luck with everything.
Wishing you all the best for the next chapter.
The office won't be the same without you. Good luck!
Congratulations on the new role — they're lucky to have you.
Thanks for everything. Keep in touch!
Best wishes for the future. You'll be missed.
Heartfelt leaving card messages for a work friend
I can't imagine Monday mornings without our coffee and catch-up. Thank you for being the best work friend. Good luck — and keep in touch!
You made this job so much better. I'm going to miss you more than I can say. Go and smash it.
From the very first day you made me feel welcome. Thank you for all the laughs and the help. Wishing you every success.
Work won't be the same without you, but our friendship isn't going anywhere. Drinks soon?
Thank you for always having my back. You deserve this new opportunity.
Leaving card messages for a manager or boss
Thank you for your guidance, support and patience. I've learned so much from you. Best of luck in your new role.
You've been a fantastic manager. Thank you for believing in me — I won't forget it.
Wishing you every success in your next role. Your new team doesn't know how lucky they are.
Thank you for leading with kindness and good humour. You'll be greatly missed.
Professional leaving card messages (for someone you don't know well)
Wishing you all the very best in your new role.
Good luck for the future, and thank you for your hard work.
Best wishes on your next adventure.
It's been a pleasure working with you. All the best.
Funny leaving card messages
Who's going to fix the printer now?
Congratulations on escaping! Take me with you.
Good luck at your new job. They'll never have biscuits as good as ours.
We're glad you're leaving. Said no one, ever. Good luck!
Now that you're leaving, can I have your chair?
Remember: wherever you go, the photocopier will still jam.
You can't leave — you still owe me a coffee!
Retirement card messages
Happy retirement! Enjoy the lie-ins, the long lunches and every adventure ahead.
After all your years of hard work, you've more than earned this. Enjoy every moment.
Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for everything you've taught us.
No more alarms, no more commutes — just lots of time for the things you love. Happy retirement!
The office is losing a legend. Wishing you a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Maternity and paternity leave messages
Congratulations! Wishing you all the best for your new arrival. We'll miss you — enjoy every moment.
Good luck with the next big adventure. We can't wait to meet the little one.
Enjoy this special time with your family. Don't think about work for a second!
Messages when someone is moving away
Good luck with the big move! Your new city is lucky to have you.
Wishing you every happiness in your new home. Don't forget to visit!
We'll miss you, but we're so excited for you. Keep in touch.
Messages for someone leaving to travel or study
Have the most amazing adventure! Send us photos (and make us jealous).
Good luck with your studies — you're going to do brilliantly.
Go and see the world. We'll be here when you get back.
What not to write in a leaving card
- Anything negative about the company, the new job or other colleagues.
- Private jokes that could embarrass them in front of the team.
- Overly personal comments if you don't know them well.
- Nothing at all. Even "Good luck — [your name]" is better than leaving it blank.
Looking for more ideas? See our birthday wishes for colleagues, what to write in a birthday card, or browse all our card messages.
