How Do You Write a Retirement Message?
Before writing a retirement message, ensure you know the reason behind this step. Most people retire when they reach a certain age and must retire by law. However, some people may retire for health reasons, to address family issues, and simply by choice because they can afford it or want to do something else with their life. The reason why people retire dictates what you write in the retirement message.
Regardless of the reason behind the retirement, the message should have a congratulatory, positive tone. The language depends on your relationship with the one leaving and varies from formal to funny and heartfelt.
Once you clarify the reason and the tone of the retirement message, you can start writing. Be honest and underline what you appreciate about the person, what you are grateful for, and how their work has improved the world. Leave aside resentments and old jokes that might be offensive. Focus on their achievements, qualities, and good memories.
A retirement message should be concise and on point, but you are allowed longer texts if you have a lot to say. People are nostalgic at this moment and appreciate a warm and appreciative message. However, if you don’t know the person well, avoid filling pages with meaningless, generic statements.
What Should You Include in a Retirement Card for a Coworker?
A few well-chosen words go a long way. Any retirement card should include congratulations on their work achievements and a wish for the future. If you know the coworker well, you may include your feelings on their retirement, a memory you cherish, and a few words to show gratitude for the time spent together.
Like any message, a retirement card includes a greeting (e.g., Dear John) and an ending (e.g., All my best), followed by the sender’s signature. Consider that retirement is an occasion for many messages from many people, and sign yours. If you choose to send an email, use the Subject field to underline that it is a retirement wish.
Retirement Wishes Examples
Examples are always welcome for inspiration but never the final answer. Don’t send a retirement card before personalizing the message for the receiver - a coworker, friend or relative. Use the following retirement wishes examples to get you started and provide structure, but add your own words and feelings to the mix.
1. Best Retirement Wishes
The best retirement wishes category refers to messages that apply to any situation, regardless of how close you are to the person who retires. They add the essence of a retirement message and give you space to add your personality and feelings.
- Congratulations on a job well done for so many years!
- Your impressive career is a source of inspiration for all of us. Enjoy your retirement!
- Happy retirement, and thank you for all your hard work and camaraderie!
- Congratulations on retiring and accomplishing such a milestone.
- The office will not be the same without you. You brought us joy and inspiration. Thank you, and happy retirement!
- Thank you for everything, and best of luck in your retirement life.
- Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck in the next chapter of your life.
- I appreciate everything you did for us. Your legacy is amazing. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! You touched our lives beyond the profession, and we are grateful for every single day spent working by your side.
- Happy retirement, and be proud of all your work achievements.
2. Happy Retirement Messages
Happy retirement messages bring a joyful note. They emphasize the new beginning rather than an ending and aim to put the retiree in a good mood. Here you can add a funny memory, qualities you appreciate in your former colleague, and happy wishes for the future.
- Congratulations on your retirement! As you know, I will miss you the most as all the work will come my way. Enjoy the sunshine, pina colada, and endless weekends!
- May the new chapter bring you happy adventures and new dreams. Enjoy your retirement!
- Now that the work part is done, life can begin. Enjoy every moment and be the best like you’ve always been. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations on retiring, and cheers to the next chapter.
- Well done for a lifetime of hard work, amazing ideas, and stunning achievements. I hope you are proud and ready to take on the next adventure.
- Thank you for everything. I will always be available for a chat and coffee; just wait and see. Just because you retire doesn’t mean you are off the hook. Happy thoughts and happy living!
- Happy retirement, and don’t ever dare to forget how much you mean to us.
- I wish you the very best of everything. Happy retirement!
- You worked hard and deserve some time off to invest in your passions. Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck with what follows.
- Happy retirement, and have a blast!
3. Short Retirement Wishes
The short retirement sayings category refers to one-sentence messages that tell everything in a few words. They may have any tone you like, from simple and formal to funny. Often, these are the messages you write on retirement cards where the space is limited.
- Congratulations on a job well done! We will miss you around here.
- Congratulations! Enjoy your retirement!
- Happy retirement, and thank you for everything!
- Congratulations on your retirement, and all the best for the future.
- An impressive career like yours is the benchmark. Congratulations!
- I wish you the best of luck in your retirement life.
- I am grateful to have been your colleague. Congratulations on your retirement.
- Happy retirement, and visit us soon!
- Congratulations! Your career is an inspiration for us all.
- Happy retirement and I hope to see you soon.
4. Emotional Retirement Cards
Emotional retirement wishes are reserved for people with whom you know well and have a close relationship, such as old colleagues, friends, and family members. These cards focus on feelings, memories, and wishes for the future. The tone is warm, and the message is heartfelt. For this type of retirement card, you are allowed slightly longer texts.
- Congratulations on a job well done for so many years! My heart is with you in this joyful and majestic moment. Although I know you are a little bit sad right now, I also know you will be extraordinary at anything you put your mind to do. So take this moment as an opportunity to try new things and follow old passions.
- We will remember you as a supportive, warm, and funny colleague and think of you on each coffee break. It was a pleasure working by your side. Enjoy your retirement, and visit us sometime!
- Happy retirement, and thank you for all your support. I appreciate your kindness and willingness to help me overcome my challenges. Take care and enjoy your retirement!
- Congratulations on retiring, my dear friend and colleague. We worked together for so many years, and you were by my side during all my important milestones. I am happy to see you conclude your amazing career, and I am sure you already have plans for the future. Keep in touch!
- Your spirit lit up the office, and your enthusiasm was catchy. Thank you for everything you have taught us, and happy retirement!
- Coming to work knowing you aren’t there will be difficult for me. I cherish our time together and hope to keep in touch. Well done for your stunning career, and keep on dreaming! Happy retirement!
- Congratulations on your retirement! It was a pleasure working with you, and I will miss you around here. No one is as calm and wise as you are.
- I appreciate our good and bad times because they taught us to be friends before colleagues. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! I know this milestone is important to you, and I want you to know I am always here for you. Our time together will never end!
- Happy retirement! I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see what outstanding ideas you have for the future.
5. Retirement Messages for Colleagues
Retirement messages for colleagues are either formal or personal, depending on your relationship with the retiree. However, you shouldn't overlook sending a retirement card because you don’t know the person well. Be sincere and acknowledge their work achievements.
- Your absence will be felt, and your dedication and hard work will continue to be appreciated. Congratulations on your retirement!
- Your impressive career made a lasting impression on all of us. Enjoy your retirement!
- Happy retirement! You’ve done so much for this company that going on without you will be very difficult. Let us call you when we are in trouble.
- Congratulations on retiring and completing this outstanding professional journey!
- Thank you for everything, and happy retirement! You will be missed around here!
- Best of luck in your retirement life, and don’t forget your former colleague who loves you deeply.
- Congratulations on your retirement! The mark you’ve left on my life will stay with me forever.
- Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved and many more milestones to come. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! You’ve reached a significant milestone, and I am so happy for you—best of luck in your retirement career.
- Happy retirement. Remember to visit your old office and colleagues from time to time. We will miss your advice and support.
6. Retirement Wishes for Your Boss
When your boss retires, your message should acknowledge their leadership and support. Mention how their mentorship or personal example improved your life and how much you appreciate having the chance to work with them.
- Congratulations on your retirement! You have been a mentor to me, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you have taught me. I hope you’ll continue to inspire and support younger generations.
- Thank you for always putting the team first and having our backs. Enjoy your retirement!
- Happy retirement, and thank you for your support and leadership example!
- Congratulations on retiring! Your wise words won’t be forgotten. I am lucky to have met you and have had the opportunity to work with you.
- The office will not be the same without you. Leaders like you are rare. I am blessed to have received your influence during my career. Thank you, and happy retirement!
- You are the very best boss ever. Thank you for everything, and best of luck in your retirement life.
- I will always remember how beneficial your influence was for my career. I plan to do the same for younger colleagues. Congratulations on your retirement, and all my best for the future
- Your legacy is impressive, and I can’t thank you enough for all your care, support, and leading example. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! You touched our lives beyond the profession, and we are grateful for every single day spent working under your leadership.
- Happy retirement! I hope you’ll continue to inspire people to follow their passions.
7. Retirement Wishes for Women
The retirement wishes for women category celebrates feminity and showcases the attributes that helped women in our lives to have accomplished careers. Messages may be emotional if your relationship with the retiree permits it.
- Congratulations on a job well done with determination, passion, and grace!
- Your impressive career is a source of inspiration for women everywhere. Enjoy your retirement!
- Happy retirement, and thank you for always having my back and allowing me to be myself!
- Congratulations on retiring and leaving the business world as a successful woman.
- Thank you for everything, and happy retirement, my dear friend! I know your children are proud of their mom and can’t wait to have you just for themselves.
- Best of luck in your retirement life, and congratulations on an impressive career. Not many women can say they have such a long list of professional achievements. Well done!
- Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck in the next chapter of your life. I am sure you’ll be a successful woman in everything you decide to do.
- I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support, thoughtful words, and mentorship. For me, the best boss ever is a woman. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! You touched our lives in so many ways and helped us become stronger women, better professionals, and funnier moms.
- After all your time and energy in this company, it’s only fair to let the world get its turn at your wisdom, tenderness, and good vibes. Happy retirement!
8. Retirement Wishes for Friends
Retirement wishes for friends are informal, heartfelt, and even funny. The tone is relaxed, and the writing may be longer. After all, you’ve known each other for a long time and have many things to say. For this scenario, focusing on future adventures is a good idea.
- Congratulations on a job well done! I’m so glad you don’t have to go to the office every day and get to spend your time making plans with me.
- Enjoy your retirement, my dear friend! New adventures await you.
- Happy retirement! I hope you finally put your plan into action and travel the world.
- Congratulations on retiring; it is indeed an impressive milestone. I’m looking forward to seeing what new ideas you get.
- I hope you are not sad about leaving the office. Retirement is a time for exploration, adventures, and relaxation; you deserve all these after a lifetime of hard work. Enjoy your retirement!
- Best of luck in your retirement life, and don’t forget to call me the minute you get bored!
- Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck in the future. I am here to help you plan the next chapter of your life.
- This is a time for reflection, planning, and pursuing passions you’ve never had time for. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! Like always, you enter a new life chapter with good energy and enthusiasm. Your career was impressive, but rest assured, your life is much more amazing than that. Trust me, I’ve been your friend since first grade.
- Happy retirement! Be proud of all your work achievements. Now it’s time for personal achievements, and I am rooting for you!
9. Retirement Quotes
Retirement quotes help you express your feelings more especially. Words of people who mean something to you and your retiree may create an intimate connection, convey a powerful message, and show how much you care about their feelings and thoughts.
- “And in that time of tranquility, he found many things which were good and many more which were not.” - Buddha.
- "Count your age by friends, not years." - John Lennon
- “I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself.” – Walt Mossberg
- “Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” - T. S. Eliot
- “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Maya Angelou
10. Appreciative Messages for Retirement
Appreciative messages focus on how much the retiree has influenced your life. The text underlines what you are grateful for, how much you value them, and the qualities that make them stand out.
- Congratulations on your retirement! I admire and respect you so much for everything you’ve done for me. Working with you was a blessing.
- Your impressive career inspires us all, but I appreciate your kind heart and wise words more. Enjoy your retirement!
- Happy retirement, and all my love and good wishes!
- Congratulations on retiring after such an outstanding career. You’ve always given your best and made your team proud of you. I have nothing but gratitude for your work ethic.
- The office will not be the same without you. You brought us together and made us a better team. Thank you, and happy retirement!
- Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and innovation, and best of luck in your retirement life.
- Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck in the next chapter of your life. I am sure it will be equally inspiring as a great man like you can do nothing but amazing things.
- I appreciate your work ethic, fair play, and enthusiasm. The company’s brainstorming meetings won’t be the same without you. Happy retirement!
- Congratulations! You helped me be a better person and stand by my side whenever I was challenged. I won’t forget your wise teachings.
- Happy retirement, and please don’t forget how much I appreciate and love you: nothing but the best to my best colleague.
FAQ
What must you write on a retirement card?
A retirement card includes a short message expressing the sender’s appreciation, feelings, and wishes for the retiree’s future. It’s a congratulatory card that acknowledges career achievements and professional and personal qualities that left a mark on the sender.
Should you give a gift to a coworker who’s retiring?
Presenting a gift to a coworker who’s retiring is optional. Many companies organize a small celebration with cake and gifts on the occasion of retirement, but you can choose to give a gift regardless of the company’s policy. If your coworker is important to you, you can express your gratitude with a meaningful gift.
What's the appropriate tone for a retirement card?
The tone of a retirement card depends on your relationship with the person who’s retiring. However, avoid cruel jokes, cliches, and offensive language. Focus on showing appreciation, offering congratulations, and sending your best wishes for the future in a respectful manner. Retirement is a solemn milestone in anyone’s life.