What to write in a leaving card
Messages for a colleague who's moving on, from heartfelt to funny to a single line. Copy one, change a detail, or have the writer draft one about them.
- Free, no sign-up
- Written about them, not generic
Good luck!
From the team
Working with you has been one of the best parts of this job. Your next team has no idea how lucky they are.
30 ideas
Leaving card messages
Working with you has been one of the best parts of this job. Your next team has no idea how lucky they are.
HeartfeltYou made the hard weeks easier and the good weeks better. I'm going to miss having you a desk away.
HeartfeltThank you for everything you've taught me, most of it without meaning to. Good luck with the next chapter.
HeartfeltIt won't be the same without you. Stay in touch, and don't be a stranger when you're passing.
HeartfeltYou've been a brilliant colleague and a better friend. Whatever comes next, I know you'll be great at it.
HeartfeltSo many of the things I'm proudest of here, we did together. Thank you, and good luck.
HeartfeltWho's going to laugh at my jokes now? I'll have to start making better ones.
FunnyCongratulations on escaping. Please send help.
FunnyI'm not saying you're irreplaceable, but we've already tried three people and none of them can work the coffee machine.
FunnyYour new job is lucky to have you. We're keeping your mug hostage until you visit.
FunnyGood luck in the new role. Remember, it's never too late to come to your senses and come back.
FunnyI'll miss you more than I'll miss the free biscuits, and I really liked the free biscuits.
FunnyGood luck, and thank you for everything.
ShortWe'll miss you. Go and be brilliant.
ShortSo glad I got to work with you. Best of luck!
ShortOnwards and upwards. Keep in touch.
ShortThe office won't be the same. All the best.
ShortCongratulations on the new job, and thank you.
ShortThank you for backing me, even when I wasn't sure of myself. I learned more from you than you know.
For a managerYou made this a team people wanted to be part of. Your new team is in for a treat.
For a managerThanks for always having time for a question, and for the honest answers. I'll miss working for you.
For a managerYou showed me what good management looks like. I'll be borrowing your ideas for years.
For a managerThank you for the trust, the feedback and the patience. Good luck with what's next.
For a managerNot every boss makes Monday mornings bearable. You did. Thank you.
For a managerFrom all of us: thank you for the ideas, the laughs and the calm in a crisis. We'll miss you.
From the whole teamThe team won't feel the same without you. Thank you for everything, and good luck.
From the whole teamWe're sad to see you go and proud to have worked with you. Keep in touch!
From the whole teamWherever you go next, you'll always have a seat at our table, and in the group chat.
From the whole teamThanks for being the person everyone went to. Your new colleagues are lucky.
From the whole teamHere's to you and the next adventure. Thank you for everything you've given this team.
From the whole team
Tips
How to write it
- 1
Start with a memory
One moment, like a project, a trip or a running joke, says more than any general compliment.
- 2
Say thank you for something real
Name what they did: the help, the cover when you were off, the advice you still use.
- 3
Look forward
Wish them well in the new role and mean it. Starting somewhere new can be nerve-racking.
- 4
Keep it to two or three lines
On a card the whole team signs, short notes read best. Save the speech for the leaving drinks.
FAQs
What to write in a leaving card
What should I write in a leaving card for a colleague I don't know well?
Keep it warm and simple: thank them, wish them luck, and mention something you noticed, like how they helped the team. 'Thanks for always being so helpful. Good luck with the new job!' is enough.
How long should a leaving card message be?
One to three sentences. With a whole team signing, short notes are easier to read and leave room for everyone.
Is it OK to be funny in a leaving card?
Yes, if you know them well and the joke is affectionate. Pair it with something sincere, so it doesn't read as though you're glad to see them go.
How do I get the whole team to sign a leaving card when we work remotely?
Make a group card online and share one link. Everyone signs from their own phone or laptop, with no account, and you send it on their last day.
What's the difference between a leaving card and a farewell card?
Nothing, really. 'Leaving card' is what most people in the UK call it; 'farewell card' and 'goodbye card' are more usual in the US.
Get everyone to sign it
Describe who it's for and the AI designs the card. Share one link, and everyone adds their note from their own phone.