When someone is leaving work, the card gets passed around and suddenly you need to think of something to write that is not just "good luck". Whether they are off to a new job, taking a career break, or moving on for personal reasons, your message should feel genuine and personal.
Below you will find messages for every situation and relationship. Pick one, add their name and something specific, and your contribution to the leaving card will actually mean something.
Thank you for your outstanding contribution to the team. Wishing you every success in your new role.
Gutted you are leaving, but so excited for you! Good luck with everything - keep in touch.
Working with you has been one of the highlights of my time here. I will genuinely miss you. All the very best.
You are leaving? Who am I going to blame things on now? Wishing you all the best - you will be missed!
It will not be the same here without you. Thank you for everything, and good luck with the next chapter.
Congratulations on the new job! Their gain is definitely our loss. Do not forget about us!
For a Colleague
Whether you sat next to them for five years or just knew them from the kitchen, a personal message matters. Mention something you will miss or a memory you share.
You have been such a brilliant part of this team, and things will not be the same without you. Thank you for making work actually enjoyable. Good luck - you deserve great things.
Sad to see you go, but excited for what is next for you. You are going to smash it. Keep in touch and do not be a stranger.
It has been a pleasure working with you. Your professionalism and positive attitude have made a real impact on the team. Wishing you every success.
I am going to miss our chats, our laughs, and our mutual hatred of Monday morning meetings. All the best in your new role.
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For a Boss
Writing for a departing boss can feel tricky - you want to be warm without being sycophantic. Focus on what you genuinely learned from them or a quality you admired.
Thank you for being such a supportive and inspiring manager. I have learned so much from you, and I am grateful for the opportunities you gave me. Wishing you all the best.
Working under your leadership has been a real privilege. You always brought out the best in the team, and you will be greatly missed. Good luck with everything.
You were the kind of boss who actually listened, and that made all the difference. Thank you for everything. Your new team is lucky to have you.
Best of luck in your new role. I hope your next team appreciates you as much as we do - though I doubt they will be as entertaining.
Funny Leaving Messages
A bit of humour in a leaving card is almost expected. These messages work well for colleagues you have a good rapport with.
I cannot believe you are leaving us. Actually, I can - I have met our management team. Good luck out there!
You are leaving and I am not jealous at all. Not even slightly. OK, maybe a bit. Have a brilliant time.
The good news: you are leaving. The bad news: now I have no one to go for a moan with at lunch. I will miss you!
Good luck in your new job! If it does not work out, your desk will be here waiting. Actually, no it will not - we have already given it to someone else.
Writing Tips
Be specific
Instead of "you were great", mention a project you worked on together, a skill you admired, or a moment that stood out. Specific details make your message memorable.
Keep it genuine
You do not need to pretend you were best friends if you were not. A brief, sincere message is always better than a long, hollow one.
Include your contact details
If you genuinely want to stay in touch, add your personal email or phone number. It turns a goodbye into a "see you later".
Write early
Do not wait until the card is being sealed. If the card is being passed around, write your message early so you have time to think about what you want to say.
What Not to Write
"Finally!" or "Lucky you"
"I wish I was leaving too"
"This place is going to fall apart without you" (too much pressure)
"I barely knew you, but good luck"
"You'll probably hate it there too"
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out"
"We won't miss you" (even as a joke, it can land badly)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write in a leaving card for a colleague?
Mention something specific you valued about working with them, wish them well in their new role, and keep it genuine. Even a short message feels personal if it includes a real detail.
What if I don't know the person well?
Keep it brief and professional: "Best of luck in your new role. It was great working with you." You do not need to write an essay - a short, sincere message is perfectly fine.
Should you write something funny in a leaving card?
If you have a good relationship with the person, absolutely. Just make sure the humour is kind and would not embarrass them if the card is read aloud.
How much should you contribute to a leaving collection?
In the UK, between five and ten pounds is typical for a colleague. For a close friend or a long-serving team member, people often give more. Give what you can comfortably afford.
What if someone is leaving under difficult circumstances?
Keep your message warm and supportive without referencing the circumstances. Focus on wishing them well and acknowledging the positive impact they had. Avoid gossip or speculation.
