How To Wish Your Coworker A Happy Retirement (With Examples)

Retirement marks a pivotal transition in an individual’s life. If a coworker is embarking on this new journey, it’s essential to bid them farewell in a meaningful way.

One of the most heartfelt ways to do this is by writing a card or letter. In this article, we’ve compiled various ideas for messages to include in a retirement card, alongside insights into the retirement phase to enrich your message.

Key Takeaways

• Retirement evokes a mix of emotions for the retiree, but it should primarily be viewed as a celebration of achievements.

• Tailor your message based on your relationship with the retiring coworker.

• If you’re not well-acquainted with the retiree, sticking to simple congratulations is perfectly acceptable.

How to Write a Retirement Card

There are numerous ways to express your sentiments in a retirement card. Some recipients may appreciate a touch of humor, while others may prefer heartfelt appreciation. If you’re unsure what to write, consider these categories of retirement messages:

• Congratulatory. While all retirement messages inherently convey congratulations, making it the central theme works best for those you may not know well, especially if they seem excited about retiring.

• Complimentary. If you admire the retiree or know they value recognition, incorporating a genuine compliment can add depth to your message. This is particularly meaningful for those who take pride in their work.

• Future-oriented. Retirement is often a time to explore new passions. If you know your coworker’s future plans, wishing them well in their next endeavors can be uplifting.

• Influence. For those coworkers who have been mentors or significant figures in your work life, a heartfelt note acknowledging their influence can be very moving.

• Memories. Including a shared memory can be a lovely touch, especially for coworkers who cherish stories and experiences.

• Humorous. A sprinkle of humor can enhance your message, but use it sparingly and ensure it aligns with the retiree’s sense of humor to keep the tone light-hearted.

Retirement Wishes Examples

We’ve categorized sentiments for retirement cards into six broad themes. Choose the appropriate category and messages based on your relationship with the retiree and their personality. For example, if you’re not close, opt for a more general message rather than attempting humor.

1. Congratulatory

   • Congratulations on your retirement, one of the best people in the office!

   • Thrilled to see you embark on this exciting new chapter—congratulations!

   • Congratulations on a remarkable career, and best wishes for your retirement!

   • It’s been a joy working alongside you, and I’m honored to celebrate your retirement!

   • Working with you has been fantastic. Wishing you a retirement filled with joy and relaxation!

   • Cheers to a well-deserved retirement for a fantastic colleague. Congratulations!

2. Qualities

   • With your dedication, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every moment of retirement!

   • While I’m sad to see you go, I wish you all the best in this new phase of life.

   • Thank you for being a wonderful coworker and an even better friend. Enjoy your well-earned break!

   • To someone who always gave their best, cheers to your retirement! May it be fulfilling and relaxing.

   • Your hard work has inspired me. Wishing you a peaceful retirement filled with joy!

   • Your positive energy will be missed—enjoy every moment of your retirement!

3. Future plans

   • Best of luck on your upcoming adventures!

   • Wishing you a retirement filled with health, happiness, and plenty of relaxation!

   • Here’s to a long and joyous retirement—congratulations!

   • You’ve worked hard for this—time to enjoy life to the fullest!

   • Thinking of you spending time with family and pursuing hobbies brings a smile to my face. Enjoy your retirement!

   • Looking forward to seeing the wonderful chapters that lie ahead in your life!

   • I hope we can stay in touch—until then, enjoy your newfound freedom!

   • Wishing you great times and good health as you embrace retirement!

4. Influence/Impact

   • Your presence has been a gift to all of us. Your influence will be sincerely missed.

   • It was a pleasure working with you—your contributions have truly shaped our company.

   • Your invaluable presence will be felt long after you retire—wishing you all the best!

   • You have been a source of encouragement and guidance for many. Enjoy your retirement!

   • I appreciate all you’ve done for your colleagues over the years. Have a joyous retirement!

   • It’s hard to imagine our office without you. May you find joy in your passions during retirement!

   • Your ability to turn challenges into opportunities inspired us all. You’ll be greatly missed.

   • Working with you has been a pleasure, and your kindness will stay with me. Best wishes in retirement!

   • Your ideas and creativity have transformed our workplace. It’s been an honor working with you!

   • Thank you for being a supportive colleague. Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

5. Memories

   • We’ll miss your humor—enjoy your retirement!

   • I’ll always remember how you made me feel welcome on my first day at work. Thank you for your support!

   • Our shared experiences made work enjoyable. Don’t lose your adventurous spirit in retirement!

   • Your guidance during my early days was invaluable—I’ll miss our conversations!

   • Camping trips and adventures will always be cherished memories. Enjoy your retirement!

6. Humorous

   • Congratulations on achieving the highest rank—retirement!

   • Now your KPIs are all about relaxation and happiness—enjoy!

   • Your new goal: Avoid anything resembling work!

   • Goodbye stress, hello leisure! Enjoy your retirement!

   • It’s like a permanent holiday—have fun!

   • Your weekends just got a serious upgrade—enjoy every second!

   • Retirement is your reward for putting up with us for so long! Best of luck on this new journey!

   • Didn’t you already stop working years ago? Enjoy your official retirement now!

   • Are you sure you’re old enough to retire? I find that hard to believe!

   • Good luck with your next chapter—make it an exciting one!

Tips for Writing a Retirement Message

• Consider the recipient. Assess your relationship with the retiree. If it’s casual, keep the message general; if you’re close, feel free to personalize it with shared memories or jokes.

• Reflect on the reasons behind their retirement. Understand if their departure is celebratory or bittersweet, as this will guide the tone of your message.

• Think about what retirement means for them. Acknowledge that while retirement is exciting, it can also be a period of uncertainty. Offer encouragement and positivity about their future.

What Is Retirement?

Retirement occurs when an individual chooses to permanently leave their job. Typically, this decision aligns with their eligibility to access retirement benefits, such as social security and pension plans. The age and qualifications for retirement can vary significantly by location.

This new phase can usher in exciting opportunities to engage in hobbies and passions without the constraints of a traditional work schedule. However, retirement can also bring feelings of anxiety, as daily routines and social interactions undergo significant changes.

The Retirement Party

Retirement often calls for celebrations. Companies typically organize events to honor the retiree, often presenting traditional gifts such as engraved plaques or watches, accompanied by messages in retirement cards.

If you’re unsure what to write in a retirement card, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Why Do People Retire?

There are various reasons why individuals choose to retire. Many wait until they feel financially secure enough to support themselves without a regular income. In fact, research shows that a significant percentage of retirees feel confident in their savings for retirement.

However, some individuals face unexpected circumstances that necessitate earlier retirement, such as health issues or organizational downsizing. Many workers retire sooner than planned, and a substantial number express a desire to continue working in some capacity during retirement.

When wishing a coworker a happy retirement, be mindful of their unique circumstances to tailor your message appropriately.

Retirement Quotes

Inspiration can often be found in the wisdom of others. Consider incorporating one of these notable quotes into your coworker’s retirement card:

1. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

2. “The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.” – Abe Lemons

3. “Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different.” – Patrick Foley

4. “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

5. “Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money.” – Jonathan Clements

6. “Don’t act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you have always been.” – J. A. West

7. “There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” – Bill Watterson

8. “What do you call a person who is happy on Monday? Retired.” – Unknown

Retirement Message FAQs

1. How do you say goodbye to a coworker who is retiring?

   Say goodbye to a retiring coworker by congratulating them, thanking them, or sharing a personal memory.

   Your note could simply express congratulations on their years of service and well wishes, or it could be more personal, reflecting on what their presence meant to you. A written note allows them to revisit your message later, but sharing your thoughts in person is also appreciated.

2. What do you say to congratulate someone retiring?

   Use phrases like “Congratulations on your retirement,” “You will be missed,” or “Enjoy your well-earned rest” to convey your congratulations. Choose your words based on your relationship with the retiree, ensuring appropriateness for the situation.

3. What is the best farewell message?

   The best farewell message balances excitement for their future with sadness over their departure, showing that you care about them.

4. What can you say instead of happy retirement?

   Alternatives to “happy retirement” include “Congratulations on your retirement” or “Thank you for your dedication to the team—enjoy your retirement.” Tailor your message based on your familiarity with the retiree.

References

1. FTD by Design – Retirement Messages for Your Coworkers, Friends and Family

2. Shutterfly – What To Write In A Retirement Card + Retirement Messages

Author

Matthew Zane

Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.