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Farewell wishes

What to write in a farewell card for a coworker

In a farewell card for a coworker, thank them for something specific they did, say what you’ll miss about working together, and wish them well in what’s next. On a shared card, one or two warm sentences are plenty. A real detail, like the help they gave on a hard project, makes your line stand out.

20 examples below: Short and simple · Heartfelt · Funny · Formal

Short and simple

For a big group card where everyone gets a few lines.

“It won’t be the same without you. Best of luck in the new adventure!”
“Thanks for making Mondays more bearable. You’ll be missed.”
“Wishing you every success. Stay in touch!”
“Your next team doesn’t know how lucky they are yet.”
“Goodbyes are hard, but you’re heading somewhere great. Cheers to you.”
A sample client card front in our hand-drawn style
A sample card front in our hand-drawn style. The message is written inside with a real pen.

Heartfelt

For a work friend, a mentor, or someone who made a real difference.

“When I was new and terrified, you walked me through every system and never once sighed. I’ve tried to do the same for new people ever since. Thank you.”
“You were the person I turned to on the hardest days here. I’m so happy for your next step, but I’ll miss our lunches more than I can say.”
“Working with you taught me to ask better questions and to never leave a customer hanging. You made all of us better at our jobs.”
“Our desks may not be side by side anymore, but you’re stuck with me as a friend. Coffee next month?”
“Moving abroad for your husband’s new posting is a huge adventure. Send us photos of the canals, and know there’s always a seat for you at our Friday trivia table.”
“You led this team through a rough year with calm and kindness. It mattered, and none of us will forget it.”

Funny

For coworkers who share a sense of humor.

“Who am I supposed to roll my eyes at in meetings now?”
“Congratulations on escaping. Please send rescue instructions.”
“We’ll be fine without you. That’s a lie, but it seemed polite.”
“I’m keeping your stapler. It’s what you would have wanted.”
“Please take your spreadsheet magic with you gently. Our formulas may never recover, but we’re thrilled you found a bigger stage.”

Formal

For a manager, a senior leader, or a colleague you didn’t know well.

“Thank you for your leadership and support. Best wishes in your new role.”
“It has been a pleasure working with you. I wish you continued success.”
“Your contributions to this department will be felt for a long time. All the best.”
“Your thoughtful mentoring of our interns and careful attention to every detail will be remembered. Wishing you fulfilling work ahead.”

Do

  • Mention a specific project, habit or moment that shows you noticed them.
  • Thank them, even briefly. People rarely hear it enough at work.
  • Wish them well in their next step, whether it’s a new job, a move or time at home.
  • Add a personal email or a coffee invitation if you’d really like to stay in touch.
  • Read the room on a group card: keep your line short so others have space.
  • For someone moving away entirely, wish them luck settling into a new neighborhood, finding friends and exploring unfamiliar streets.

Don’t

  • Don’t ask why they’re leaving or speculate about it in writing.
  • Don’t complain about the company, a manager or how much work they’re leaving behind.
  • Don’t write in-jokes that others reading the card won’t understand or might find odd.
  • Don’t make it about how their leaving affects you, like more work on your plate.
  • Don’t promise to stay in touch if you don’t mean it.
  • Don’t write “congratulations” if leaving wasn’t their choice, such as a layoff or restructuring.

How to write it

Lead with appreciation. “Thank you for being the calm voice on every deadline” sets a warm tone and says something true about them.

Add what you’ll miss or what you learned from them. On a personal card, a short story from working together is a lovely touch.

Close with a wish for their next chapter and, if you mean it, a way to keep in touch. Sign off with “All the best,” “Good luck” or “Stay in touch.”

Questions

Keep it short, kind and general: “It was great working with you. Best of luck in your next role!” You don’t need a personal story to write something gracious.

Thank them for one specific thing, like their support during a hard project or how they helped you grow, and wish them success. Keep it professional and sincere.

A light joke is fine on a group card if you know them well and they enjoy humor. Pair it with a sincere line so it doesn’t read as flippant.

Yes. A card arriving at home a week later can feel even more personal than one signed in the break room.

Stay warm and leave out congratulations. Something like “Working with you was a privilege, and any team will be fortunate to have you. Please use me as a reference anytime” offers respect and practical support.

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