# 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.

The page also has a free writer: give it their name, a detail and a tone, and it drafts a note. [Start a group card](https://www.cardshare.ai/create) for everyone to sign.

## Heartfelt

- Working with you has been one of the best parts of this job. Your next team has no idea how lucky they are.
- You made the hard weeks easier and the good weeks better. I'm going to miss having you a desk away.
- Thank you for everything you've taught me, most of it without meaning to. Good luck with the next chapter.
- It won't be the same without you. Stay in touch, and don't be a stranger when you're passing.
- You've been a brilliant colleague and a better friend. Whatever comes next, I know you'll be great at it.
- So many of the things I'm proudest of here, we did together. Thank you, and good luck.

## Funny

- Who's going to laugh at my jokes now? I'll have to start making better ones.
- Congratulations on escaping. Please send help.
- I'm not saying you're irreplaceable, but we've already tried three people and none of them can work the coffee machine.
- Your new job is lucky to have you. We're keeping your mug hostage until you visit.
- Good luck in the new role. Remember, it's never too late to come to your senses and come back.
- I'll miss you more than I'll miss the free biscuits, and I really liked the free biscuits.

## Short

- Good luck, and thank you for everything.
- We'll miss you. Go and be brilliant.
- So glad I got to work with you. Best of luck!
- Onwards and upwards. Keep in touch.
- The office won't be the same. All the best.
- Congratulations on the new job, and thank you.

## For a manager

- Thank you for backing me, even when I wasn't sure of myself. I learned more from you than you know.
- You made this a team people wanted to be part of. Your new team is in for a treat.
- Thanks for always having time for a question, and for the honest answers. I'll miss working for you.
- You showed me what good management looks like. I'll be borrowing your ideas for years.
- Thank you for the trust, the feedback and the patience. Good luck with what's next.
- Not every boss makes Monday mornings bearable. You did. Thank you.

## From the whole team

- From all of us: thank you for the ideas, the laughs and the calm in a crisis. We'll miss you.
- The team won't feel the same without you. Thank you for everything, and good luck.
- We're sad to see you go and proud to have worked with you. Keep in touch!
- Wherever you go next, you'll always have a seat at our table, and in the group chat.
- Thanks for being the person everyone went to. Your new colleagues are lucky.
- Here's to you and the next adventure. Thank you for everything you've given this team.

## How to write it

- **Start with a memory**: One moment, like a project, a trip or a running joke, says more than any general compliment.
- **Say thank you for something real**: Name what they did: the help, the cover when you were off, the advice you still use.
- **Look forward**: Wish them well in the new role and mean it. Starting somewhere new can be nerve-racking.
- **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 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.

## More message ideas

- [Retirement messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/retirement-messages)
- [Birthday messages for coworkers](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/birthday-messages-for-coworkers)
- [Sympathy messages for coworkers](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/sympathy-messages-for-coworkers)
- [Work anniversary messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/work-anniversary-messages)
- [Get well soon messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/get-well-soon-messages)

---

Source: https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/leaving-card-messages