best wishes speech for retirement

Steals & Deals: Up to 80% off hair tools, charging bundles, more

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

85 retirement wishes to recognize a job well done

Retirement is yet another chapter in the book of life .

On one hand, it's a sad goodbye to colleagues, coworkers and a long-time job, but it's also a joyful occasion providing an opportunity to explore greener pastures, cross items off the bucket list , as well as say “See ya” to the monotony of the 9-to-5 life.

If a friend, family member, boss or fellow employee is moving on, make sure to send them off with a thoughtful gift and greeting card with your heartfelt retirement wishes written inside.

To help you bid adieu to someone special , we've gathered a variety of messages and sentiments to use however you see fit.

Post one on Instagram , send it in a text or jot it down in a card. However you use these sayings, the recipient is sure to appreciate the time you took to wish them well as they set sail on their new adventure.

In this list, you'll find short messages like, “You came, you succeeded, you retired. Well done!”

There are also heartfelt words to help express your gratitude like, “In these last years, you set the standard for loyalty, kindness and character. No one will ever be able to take your place.”

If you're hoping to keep things light, we've got funny wishes , too, that are sure to bring a smile to their face like, “Remember all the times you said, ‘Not my problem?’ Now it’s official.”

Whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find it in this collection of retirement wishes. Pick one from the compilation below or use these words to inspire your own fond farewel l.

Best retirement wishes

• Now's your time to shine! Congratulations on your retirement.
• May the years ahead be filled with new endeavors and happy adventures.
• Life begins now. Enjoy every minute.
• Cheers to the next chapter
• Caution: Retirement ahead.

• There are no ends or beginnings, just transitions that take us where we’re meant to go next. Happy journey, happy everything.
• Now that you’re retired, every night is Friday night. Enjoy the celebration and go make some noise!
• Good luck on the next chapter to a coworker who wrote the book.
• You brought joy when you came and are leave happiness in your wake. Best wishes and thank you.
• Best of luck to someone who clearly doesn’t need it! You’re on your way to bigger and better things.
• You came, you succeeded, you retired. Well done!

• Morning, noon and night, you were always here. What’ll we ever do without you? Good luck and take some well-deserved time just for you.
• Seasons come and go, but your legacy is forever. Thank you and best wishes on the future.
• Keep calm and golf on. Good luck!
• All good things must come to an end even when we wish they wouldn’t. Thank you for everything.
• When one door closes, another opens at a vacation resort. Enjoy an umbrella drink on us!
• What we leave behind isn’t nearly as important as what lies ahead. The best of luck to you on your next chapter.

• First one in, last one out. Your dedication knows no bounds and your contributions will be sincerely missed.
• If success is dependent on determination, then you showed us all how it’s done. Wishing you the very best!
• In these last years, you set the standard for loyalty, kindness and character. No one will ever be able to take your place.
• You never had to aim for success — you hit the target every single time. And we’re all the better for it. Thank you.
• Your contributions and laughter are the legacy you leave behind. Things just won’t be the same without you.
• Here’s hoping that the next chapter finds your toes in the sand, palm trees swaying in the wind and a whole lotta pickleball . Go get ‘em!

• When loyalty and dedication work together, expect a masterclass in success. And that’s exactly what you are. Congratulations.
• Happiness is knowing that you’ve achieved your goals and because of you, the world’s a better place. Or, at the very least, our place is. You will be so missed.
• There were a lot of meetings. A lot. Way too many. I only survived them because of you.
• May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back and may your RV never run out of gas. Happy travels!
• Never underestimate how much one person can touch the lives of others. Happy retirement!

• Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, the person that you are and the difference you’ve made in the lives of those around you.
• The amount of good luck coming your way is absolutely ridiculous! Now, go enjoy it.
• Congratulations on achieving the greatest accomplishment possible: no longer working here. Happy retirement!
• Now that you’re retiring, there’s going to be one extra doughnut on the break table. I’ll fight to the death for it. You’ll be missed.
• Just think, no one from IT is ever going to ask if you rebooted your computer again. Enjoy every single minute of it.

• Goodbye tension, hello pension! Let the fun begin!
• Coworkers by chance, friends by choice. I’ll miss you.
• I knew from the moment we met that we’d be more than just coworkers. I’ll miss you so much.
• Now that you’re retiring, there will be one less person to lean on for support, one less smile to light up the morning, one less email to add to “reply all.” You sure you gotta go? It’s not going to be the same without you.

Retirement wishes for a friend or family member

• Make new friends, but keep the old, working with you has been nothing but gold. Best of luck.
• Wishing you the best of luck on the next episode of “What Happens Now?”
• Some people come into our lives for a reason. Without you, I might never have known the true meaning of happy hour.
• Success comes from knowing you did your best to be your best. It should feel good knowing that you were at the top of your game. Congratulations!

• In my eyes, you were successful not only at your job, but at winning over my heart. I can't wait to spend more time together in your next chapter.
• Wishing you discovery, relaxation and joy in the years ahead. Enjoy every minute!
• Much like life, work is a journey. Now that this leg of the trip is over, I am so excited to see what comes next for you.
• Remember all the times you texted me “WTF” during meetings? I thought it meant “Where’s the fries?” Now that you’re retiring, I thought you should know the truth.

• Retirement checklist: Wake up whenever you feel like it. Relax over a latte. See the world. Read a book. Walk by the ocean. Spend time with loved ones. Repeat.
• Happy trails to you, my longtime friend. Wishing you clear skies and sunny weather ahead.
• I’d wish you good luck, but you aren’t going to need it because everything you are comes from hard work and not a horseshoe.  You’re going to be amazing.
• This isn’t just goodbye. It’s who’s going to pick up the tab at the next happy hour? You’ll be missed.
• You had me at “hello.” Best wishes and good luck on your retirement.

• Remember all the times you said, “Not my problem”? Now it’s official. Happy retirement!
• You’ve been a true inspiration and I hope the next stage of your life brings you all the peace and happiness you deserve.
• Friends don’t let friends retire without a good bottle of wine. Here's a toast to you!
• Thanks for being my work therapist. Now I’m probably going to have to pay someone. Happy retirement.

Retirement wishes for a boss or mentor

• You set the standard for the rest of us, and it won’t be the same without you.
• Congratulations to someone who made it all the way to the top — and made it look so easy. I can’t wait to see what comes next. 
• Caring about others and making an impact is exactly what you’ve done. You’ll be missed more than you know.
• When I think about what success means, I think of you. Congratulations.
• We couldn’t find enough words to thank you for being you, so we got you a gift card instead. Best of luck!

• You’re leaving behind some pretty big shoes to fill. Looks like we’re going to have to go shopping.
• Happy retirement to a boss that’s a tough act to follow.
• Because of you, we aimed higher, performed better and became the best version of ourselves. Thank you for all of that and more.
• You set the bar so high that none of us can even reach our drinks. How will we ever survive without you?
• To a boss that’s hard to beat, we wish you all the best that retirement has to offer.

• How do you tell the difference between a boss, a leader and a friend? When it comes to you, there isn’t one.
• The best things in life aren’t things at all — they’re having someone like you for a boss. I consider myself so lucky.
• You’re proof that it doesn’t take someone bossy to be a boss. Your calm reassurance and dedication will be missed more than you know. Congratulations!
• On your retirement, I wanted to let you know that there are great bosses and great people in this world. I’m so lucky that you are both.

• You're a rockstar in our eyes. Good luck on the next leg of your tour!
• There are bosses, then there’s you. I’m so grateful to have had you as a mentor, leader and role model. Happy retirement, you deserve it.
• It’s with the sincerest appreciation that I wish you the best of luck and thank you for all you’ve done for me. I hope you can kick back and enjoy the reward of a job well done.

Retirement wishes for an employee

• Your dedication and perseverance set the bar for the rest of us. You’ll be missed.
• Things just won’t be the same without you. Good luck!
• How do you thank someone for so many years of hard work? Quite simply, thank you.
• Congratulations and best wishes to a true professional. There’s nobody better than you!

• Success is the result of hard work and determination. Thank you for bringing both of those things (and more) to this role. Good luck to you.
• On your retirement, I want you to know that there’s no replacing the value, heart and soul you brought to this job each and every day. You’ll be missed more than know.
• Moving forward and moving on! Best wishes on a brand-new beginning.
• Retirement isn’t goodbye. It’s a fond farewell and wishes for a wonderful future ahead.

• The myth, the legend, the employee of the century. Your legacy lives on! Congratulations.
• Thank you for all you’ve brought to this job, but more than that, thank you for being you. Things just aren’t going to be the same without you.
• So long, farewell, I hate to see you go. Bidding you a fond adieu and happy retirement.
• Work isn’t a place. It’s where people like you make a difference in the lives of people like me. I couldn’t be more grateful.

• Farewell! Wishing you smooth sailing as you steer the ship into new waters.
• When it comes to employees, you’ve simply been the best. Thank you for your time and dedication. Good luck on your retirement.
• Thank you for giving 100% all the time. Your hard work has made all the difference.
• On your retirement, I want to let you know that it's been a privilege to have you on my team. Happy retirement!

Pair 'em with a present

• Thoughtful farewell gifts to send your co-worker off on a high note
• Meaningful retirement gifts to celebrate years of hard work

Sarah Lemire is a lifestyle and entertainment reporter for TODAY based in New York City. She covers holidays, celebrities and everything in between.

Guide On How To Write An Amazing Retirement Speech With Examples

While some may view a farewell or retirement speech as optional, it’s far more than a mere formality. It offers a powerful opportunity for both the retiree and their colleagues, friends, and family to experience closure, reflection, and connection. 

For the retiree, it’s a chance to share their story, reconnect with those they’ve touched, and express gratitude. For colleagues, friends, and family, it’s a moment to appreciate, learn, and be inspired. This speech can even be a cathartic release for the retiree, allowing them to share words they’ve held close.

In this guide, I’ll provide you with ideas and tips on crafting a memorable and impactful retirement speech, whether for yourself or on behalf of another retiree. The latter half will offer some curated examples to inspire your own unique message. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How To Write A Farewell Speech: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a memorable and impactful farewell speech, packed with practical writing and public speaking tips. Follow these steps to create a speech that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

Note : This guide primarily assumes you’re the retiree, but the steps and tips are equally applicable if you’re writing on someone’s behalf or honoring a retiree. Just adapt the language as needed.

1. Plan Ahead

Before diving into your farewell retirement speech, ensure you have ample time to plan and prepare. Create a rough outline beforehand, jotting down key points you want to cover.

Some crucial points you may want to prioritize in your draft outline:

• The beginning : Reflect on your early days in the company. How did your journey start?
• The middle : Share significant experiences and anecdotes from your time here. What shaped your journey?
• The end : Discuss your retirement plans and the emotions surrounding your departure. How are you approaching this new chapter?

Remember, these are just suggestions; choose the aspects that resonate most with you and your story.

Writing Tip: Prioritize outlining first. It allows you to visualize the flow of your speech. Work your way down to the last bullet point, and don’t hesitate to cross out anything that feels inappropriate or uninteresting.

Public Speaking Tip: Aim to internalize your outline. It will guide you seamlessly if you choose to deliver the speech without a script.

2. Consider The Audience

Once your outline is complete, it’s time to flesh out the details and craft your script. Before diving in, familiarize yourself with your audience.

Remember, tailoring your speech to your listeners is crucial. Consider their age range and interests. If children will be present, adjust your language accordingly. Similarly, for a formal event, minimize potentially offensive jokes or anecdotes, especially about colleagues or supervisors. You want to leave a positive lasting impression, not be remembered as someone who has turned hostile with retirement.

Writing Tip : Prioritize clear and relatable language, using examples that resonate with your audience’s level of understanding. While AI can be a helpful tool, carefully review its output as the tone and language it generates can sometimes be extreme or inappropriate.

Public Speaking Tip : Establish eye contact to connect with your audience. Consider encouraging participation by asking questions or inviting them to share their own stories, but be mindful of time constraints and use your judgment when deciding if interacting with individuals in the audience is feasible.

3. Set A Goal For Your Speech

Decide what you want to achieve with your speech. Do you want to express gratitude, share memories, or offer advice? While you may have each of those covered in your speech, it’s still critical to choose one of them as your speech’s main theme. Having a clear goal will help you to structure your speech and stay focused.

Writing Tip : Your farewell retirement speech is a unique chance to create a lasting impression that reflects your true essence. Think about what will resonate most with you and your audience. Also, write it as if it’s the last thing you’ll write in your life.

Public Speaking Tip : Sharing personal experiences or feelings can deeply connect with the audience. While staying within your comfort zone is important, consider injecting moments of vulnerability to add authenticity and emotional resonance.

4. Brainstorm Ideas

With a solid outline as your compass and your audience in mind, you can start enriching your script with fresh ideas and engaging content. While your retirement speech holds the potential for countless anecdotes, don’t forget to balance it with lighthearted moments and playful touches.

Begin by brainstorming all the elements you want to weave into your speech. Consider personal stories, noteworthy achievements, and pearls of wisdom you wish to share. Don’t hold back—let your imagination run wild!

Writing Tip : While it’s important to acknowledge your achievements, remember not to overemphasize them or let them overshadow the essence of your speech. Your personal journey takes center stage.

Public Speaking Tip : Watch out for overly playful or flippant tones that might undermine your message. If you become aware of sounding cheeky, playfully acknowledge it and redirect the focus to a more serious tone.

5. Do Research

As you expand your retirement speech with additional content, consider supporting your claims and stories with research. While your personal experiences are inherently credible, verifying surrounding details adds a layer of factuality and gravitas to your message.

Grounding your anecdotes in verifiable truth can significantly enhance your credibility and persuasiveness, effectively driving your points home with greater impact. 

For example, if you have a remarkable story from your work, you might consider speaking to others who were present to corroborate the events. This not only strengthens your story’s credibility but can also add more nuance and richness through their perspectives.

Writing Tip : Pepper your speech with specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your achievements and the impact you’ve made on the company. These personal accounts will resonate powerfully with your audience.

Public Speaking Tip : Leverage the presence of individuals you consulted during your research. Their involvement can amplify your claims and add weight to your stories, further solidifying your credibility and speech’s impact.

6. Organize Your Ideas

At this point, your script is becoming longer and longer, filled with memory-inducing details. Now, it can become a hot mess, so you need to make sure that you organize all the thoughts and stories you’ve written.

Group your ideas by theme and decide on the order in which you want to present them. This will help you to create a clear and logical structure for your speech.

Writing Tip : Perform mind mapping. It’s a visual brainstorming technique that can help you organize your thoughts effectively, especially when crafting a complex speech. There are many apps out there that provide helpful and intuitive mind mapping.

Public Speaking Tip : When delivering your speech, remember your well-organized writing plan!  But also chunk your ideas, pause between chunks, and signpost your transitions.

7. Write Your Initial Draft

With your ideas nicely organized, you’re ready to write your initial draft. Start by making a memorable introduction that grabs your audience’s attention right away. This is your chance to set the stage and show your tone, whether it’s heartfelt, funny, or a bit of both.

Follow your outline and include personal stories, sincere thanks, and well-timed humor. Remember, balance is important. Your stories should highlight your journey, your thanks should feel genuine, and your humor should bring smiles without making light of the occasion.

Also, keep it short and sweet. Aim for a speech that holds the audience’s interest for about five to 10 minutes to leave a lasting impression. And most importantly, speak from the heart. Use a conversational tone, like you’re sharing these stories with old friends, which is basically what you’re going to do during a speech.

By the way, five to 10 minutes of speech is roughly equivalent to 1,000 to 2,000 words. As you can see, you have a lot of legroom.

Writing Tip: Keep it flexible. Your outline is a guide, not a rigid framework. Be open to modifying it as you write and rehearse your speech. Also, write in a way that feels natural to you, as if you were conversing with a friend.

Public Speaking Tip: Your first draft will likely evolve as you refine your ideas and practice your delivery. Don’t get attached to it or feel pressure to memorize it right away. Meanwhile, don’t get rid of your outline. Your outline serves as a valuable roadmap later, even after you’ve written the full speech. It can help you stay on track, remember key points, and maintain logical flow.

8. Edit And Revise

Depending on the time available, you can edit and revise your initial draft until you are satisfied with it. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and sincerity. Also, make sure to eliminate inappropriate lines and language.

Writing Tip : Read it aloud. Hearing your writing can help you identify clunky sentences and areas that need improvement.

Public Speaking Tip : Prepare key phrases and responses. Anticipate questions or situations where you might need to ad-lib. Some of your listeners may take a jab at you, ask questions, or try to humor you while you speak. It’s unavoidable. So, have prepared answers or transitions ready.

9. Practice Your Delivery

Practicing your delivery is still a part of the writing process. While reading your lines out loud may help you find awkward and even grammatically erroneous sentences and paragraphs, practicing your delivery can help you identify problems with pacing, length, and impact.

Rehearse your delivery several times before the big day and edit as you go. This not only familiarizes you with the content but also helps you avoid stumbles and deliver with confidence. 

To ensure comfort and confidence on the big day, practice your delivery in front of a mirror or with a friend. Remember to time your speech to avoid exceeding or falling short of the allotted duration.

Writing Tip: Imagine the questions your audience might ask, especially for complex sections that could ignite their curiosity. By seamlessly incorporating answers within your speech, you can proactively clarify any potential doubts and maintain a smooth, uninterrupted flow.

Public Speaking Tip: Practice your pacing, tone, and gestures. Record yourself and watch the playback to identify areas where you can improve.

Elements Of An Amazing Farewell Retirement Speech

Though you’ve reached the end of the steps on how to write a great farewell retirement speech, chances are you haven’t begun writing yet (that’s a good thing!). Before diving in, be sure to consider these key elements for a truly amazing speech—aspects the previous section might have missed.

1. A Strong Opening

A powerful opening to your retirement speech isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic move with several compelling advantages:

• It suggests there are more interesting things to come and immediately draws the audience in.
• It establishes your voice and personality, captivating them with a memorable start even if they already know you. 
• It raises anticipation and curiosity, leaving them eager to hear the rest of your story and the wisdom you’ll share.

Now, how do you translate this advice into an unforgettable start?

Begin with a memorable and attention-grabbing opening that sets the tone for the rest of your speech. This could be a funny retirement joke that breaks the ice and eases any tension, a personal anecdote that reveals a glimpse into your journey, or a retirement quote that resonates with your personality or your time at the company.

2. Gratitude

As a retiree, take a moment to express gratitude and appreciation to your colleagues, managers, and mentors. Thank the people who helped you along the way, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, guidance, and support. This act not only reinforces the positive relationships you’ve built but also showcases your deep appreciation for their contributions.

3. Achievement Highlights

While highlighting your achievements is a natural part of a retirement speech, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s why your speech offers so much more:

• Retirement speeches offer a chance to reflect : bask in achievements, learn from challenges, and express gratitude—a rare mic drop without judgment.
• Shine, but share the spotlight : Acknowledge mentors, teams, and the community you built. Focus on impactful accomplishments that inspire, not just accolades.
• Balance triumphs with wisdom : Your speech becomes a testament—a farewell filled with gratitude, impact, and the enduring spirit of your career.

No need to fear self-promotion, but remember, don’t cross the line and brag about everything about yourself for more than you should. 

Stories can be powerful tools for communication, helping to engage your audience. Choose stories that are relevant to your audience and effectively illustrate your points. Keep them brief and to the point, using them to highlight the impact of your work and the relationships you’ve built.

5. Memorable Moments

For a lighter touch, consider sharing a humorous anecdote that embodies your personality or your dedication to work. Choose something that resonates with you and your colleagues, allowing them to see you beyond just your professional achievements.

Some of the memorable moments you can try to include in your speech are the following:

• A humorous yet relatable story : Share a light-hearted anecdote that showcases your personality and connects with the audience.
• A significant challenge you overcame : Describe a moment when you faced adversity and emerged stronger, highlighting your resilience and problem-solving skills.
• A touching moment of impact : Share a story where your work positively affected someone or the community, demonstrating the purpose and value you brought.

While it’s good to include a lot, remember that you don’t need to tell everything. Leave yourself and your audience some topics to discuss after the speech.

6. Well Wishes

Add heartfelt wishes to your retirement speech. They can make room for your speech to express your thanks, strengthen bonds with the audience, and provide positive closure. They can also capture your audience’s attention and inspire them.

Leave a lasting legacy of goodwill. Well-wishes, sprinkled with personalized mentions and optimism, show you value the relationships built. They warm your farewell and build camaraderie, creating a cherished memory for all.

7. Positivity

Making your speech positive allows you and others to celebrate triumphs more fully, embrace the future with optimism, and solidify bonds with the audience. It also creates a joyful atmosphere, which is something everybody would definitely appreciate.

Beyond these benefits, positivity simply feels good. It allows you to end your career on a high note, filled with joy and satisfaction. It also sets a positive precedent for your retirement, paving the way for new adventures and experiences.

8. Sincerity

Ticking off retirement speech boxes can be tempting, but it often leads to a calculated, formulaic monologue that falls flat. Authenticity, on the other hand, amplifies connections, creates a lasting impact, and sparks genuine inspiration. 

Why? A heartfelt retirement or farewell speech isn’t a checklist; it’s an opportunity to express yourself honestly to celebrate your career with integrity. This unfiltered expression resonates with others, forging a genuine farewell that honors your achievements and strengthens your bonds. 

Sincerity simply feels right and it can allow you to end your journey with grace and authenticity. This, more than anything, will leave a lasting impression, not just on those present, but on your own path ahead.

9. Concision

While “concision” may not be the most common word, it’s the secret ingredient for a captivating retirement speech. Avoid rambling detours and focus on the essence of your journey. It’s easy to get lost in memories, but prioritize the core moments and keep your audience enthralled. 

As a rule of thumb, five minutes of speech is highly acceptable, but it’s okay to go longer than that as long as you don’t exceed 10 minutes. Remember, like a good host, leave them wanting more, not wishing for the end.

Injecting some humor into your retirement speech benefits both you and your audience. For starters, a well-timed joke can help dissolve your nervous tension, especially for those of us who aren’t seasoned public speakers. Beyond calming your nerves, humor can also forge a relatable connection with your listeners and leave a lasting positive impression.

Humor further enhances engagement by keeping the audience on their toes and invested in your message. And let’s be honest, a well-placed laugh can provide a welcome emotional release after recounting the trials and triumphs of your career. 

While sharing the dramatic moments is valuable, a well-timed joke can lighten the mood and prevent tears (of boredom, of course!). Here are a few retirement speech jokes you may want to draw inspiration from:

• Age-Related Humor : “Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Turns out, ‘early bird’ doesn’t mean waking up at 5 am anymore. Now it means getting the worm discount at Denny’s!”
• Work-Life Balance Shift : “My colleagues keep asking me what my retirement plans are. Well, first I’m going to sleep for a week straight, then I’m going to spend another week figuring out how to turn off my email notifications forever!”
• Time For Hobbies : “Finally retired! Now I have all the time in the world to do all those things I never had time for, like cleaning the garage… again… for the third time this week.”
• Travel Plans (Or Not) : “They say retirement is all about traveling the world. Honestly, the furthest I plan on going is my neighbor’s hammock—it has a built-in margarita holder, you know.”
• Goodbye Office Life : “Retirement isn’t just about leaving the office; it’s about leaving the office chair-induced back pain behind. Goodbye, ergonomic nightmare! Hello, comfy recliner!”

Conclude your address with a statement that resonates. Choose a funny retirement quote or expression that embodies the essence of your career and accomplishments, delivered with the gravitas of one taking their final bow. This final message will echo long after your speech is done.

11. Visuals

Elevate your retirement speech by utilizing visuals. With projectors and widescreen televisions now being common in homes and function halls, you can expect to have the opportunity to show some relevant pictures and videos, which can help with your speech.

Photos in a slideshow can illustrate key points and add engagement. Alternatively, create a fun tribute video featuring colleagues, family, and friends. If that sounds daunting, fear not! Here are some of my articles that can help you out with retirement slideshows and tribute videos and clips .

12. A Positive Note

Having a highly positive speech may not be possible. However, you should at least make sure that you end with a positive note.

Concluding your retirement speech on a positive note not only leaves everyone with a smile but also provides a profound sense of closure and satisfaction. This shared positivity extends beyond mere cheer as it serves a more profound purpose. It enables you to wrap up your career on a high note, filled with joy and contentment. 

In essence, by ending on a positive and uplifting tone, you not only mark the end of one chapter but also signal the promising beginning of another, creating a seamless transition into the next phase of your life.

Farewell Retirement Speech Examples

Now that you’re familiar with the process of writing a farewell retirement speech and the crucial elements you can include, it’s time for some inspiring examples!

Please note that these examples are condensed for brevity and lack specific details. They’re meant to serve as adaptable templates, not ready-made speeches.

Without further ado, let’s explore these examples!

Retirement Speech For Retirees

Here’s a sample of a retirement speech by a retiree:

Good evening, everyone. I am truly honored to be standing here today, surrounded by my colleagues and friends, to celebrate my retirement. After many years of hard work and dedication, reflecting on my career and the many memories I’ve made along the way feels incredible. As I look back on my time with this company, I am struck by the many challenges and accomplishments that I’ve experienced. I’ve worked with some incredible people, faced some difficult obstacles, and come out on the other side as a stronger and more resilient person. I am especially grateful for the friendships and relationships that I’ve formed over the years. Working alongside such talented and committed individuals has been a privilege, and I know that the memories we’ve made together will last a lifetime. To my colleagues and managers, I want to express my deep appreciation for your guidance and support throughout my career. Your mentorship and advice have been invaluable to me, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from you. To those still working, I want to share a few words of wisdom I’ve learned throughout my career. First, never lose sight of your passion and your purpose. Your passion will keep you motivated and inspired and your purpose will guide your actions and decisions. Second, always remember the importance of teamwork and collaboration. None of us can achieve our goals alone, and only through working together can we make a real impact. Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone in attendance today. Your friendship and support have meant the world to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you. I will miss you all dearly, but I am excited for the next chapter in my life. As I move on to the next phase of my journey, I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. I know that retirement will bring its own set of challenges and adventures, and I am ready to embrace them with open arms. Again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and friendship. Working alongside you has been an honor and a privilege, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together.

Retirement Speech For Teachers

Here’s a sample of a retirement speech by a retiring teacher:

Dear students, colleagues, and friends, I stand before you today with mixed emotions as I announce my retirement from teaching. After [insert number of years] years of being in the classroom, it’s time for me to step back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. As I reflect on my career, I’m filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Teaching has been more than just a job for me. It has been a calling, a passion that has enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. To my students, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I have learned so much from you, and I hope that I have also imparted some knowledge and wisdom to you. Watching you grow and develop into successful adults has been the most rewarding part of my job. To my colleagues, I want to express my appreciation for the support and encouragement you have given me over the years. You have been more than just co-workers; you have been my friends and confidantes. I will miss our collaborations and discussions about teaching, but I’m excited to see what the future holds for you and the students. As I begin this new chapter in my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family, traveling, and pursuing other interests. But I will always remember the memories and experiences that I have gained from my time as a teacher. Thank you all for the wonderful years I have spent here, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Retirement Speech For Colleague

Here’s a sample retirement speech from a coworker:

Dear colleagues and friends, Today is a bittersweet day for all of us as we gather to celebrate the retirement of our esteemed colleague and friend [Retiree’s Name]. We’re here to honor [Retiree’s Name] and to acknowledge the incredible contributions [they/he/she] has made to our organization. It’s hard to imagine our workplace without [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been a constant presence here for [insert number of years] years and has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and success of our team. [Retiree’s Name] has always been a person who leads by example. [He/She] is hardworking, committed, and always willing to lend a helping hand. [He/She] has inspired all of us to be better colleagues and better people. [His/Her] dedication to our team and our mission is something we will always remember. As [Retiree’s Name] begins a new chapter in [his/her] life, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all [he/she] has done for us. [His/Her] hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our team will be greatly missed. [Retiree’s Name], we wish you all the best in your retirement. We hope you will take this opportunity to relax, travel, spend time with your family and friends, and pursue everything you’ve always wanted to do. Know that you leave a lasting legacy here, and you will always be a part of our team. Thank you for being such an amazing colleague, mentor, and friend. We will miss you dearly. Congratulations on your retirement!

Retirement Speech For A Retiree Given By A Friend

Here’s a sample retirement speech from a friend:

Dear [Retiree’s Name], As I stand before you today, I feel both joy and sadness. Joy, because I’m so happy for you as you embark on your retirement journey, and sadness because I know our time together will be more limited. But today is about celebrating you, my friend, and I’m honored to have this opportunity to do so. You have been my true friend over the years, and I’m grateful for the memories we’ve shared. We’ve been through a lot from our college days to our careers. And now, as you retire, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in all that you’ve accomplished. Your work has always been a source of inspiration to me. I have watched you dedicate yourself to your profession, and your passion and commitment have always been evident. Your work has touched so many lives, and you leave a legacy of excellence that will be hard to match. But as much as I admire your professional accomplishments, what I treasure most about our friendship is the person you are. You have always been a kind, caring, and loyal friend. Your wit, humor, and wisdom have enriched my life countless times. As you move into this new phase of your life, I hope you’ll take some time to reflect on all that you’ve achieved. But more importantly, I hope you’ll savor the simple pleasures of life—time with loved ones, new experiences, and the chance to pursue hobbies and interests that may have taken a back seat to work. So my dear friend, as you retire, know that you leave behind a legacy of excellence, friendship, and inspiration. You will be missed, but your impact will live on. Congratulations on your retirement, and I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Retirement Speech For Employee From A Boss Or Colleague

Here’s a sample corporate retirement speech for an employee from a boss or colleague:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re here to celebrate the retirement of one of our most dedicated and hardworking employees, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our team for [insert number of years] years, and we’re all sad to see [him/her] go. [Retiree’s Name] has been a true asset to our company. [His/Her] hard work, leadership, and innovative thinking have helped us achieve some of our most important goals. [His/Her] contributions to our team and our mission will be missed. As [Retiree’s Name] moves into retirement, we want to express our deep gratitude for all that [he/she] has done for our company. [He/She] has played a key role in making us the successful organization we are today, and [his/her] influence will be felt for years to come. But beyond [Retiree’s Name]’s professional achievements, [he/she] has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. [His/Her] kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression on all of us. [Retiree’s Name], thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our company. You leave behind a legacy of excellence that will inspire us for years to come. We wish you all the best as you move into this new chapter of your life. We hope you will take this opportunity to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue everything you’ve always wanted to do. We will miss you dearly, but we’re excited to see what the future holds for you. Congratulations on your retirement, and have fun!

Retirement Speech For Boss From An Employee Or Another Boss

Here’s a sample of a retirement speech for a boss:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the retirement of one of the most esteemed leaders in our organization, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our team for [insert number of years] years, and [he/she] will be greatly missed. [Retiree’s Name] has been an outstanding boss and mentor to all of us. [His/Her] vision, leadership, and passion have helped us achieve some of our most important goals. [His/Her] contributions to our team and our mission have been immeasurable. As a boss, [Retiree’s Name] has inspired us all to improve. [His/Her] ability to lead by example, challenge us to achieve our full potential, and create a culture of excellence has been remarkable. [His/Her] wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on our organization and every one of us. But beyond [Retiree’s Name]’s professional accomplishments, [he/she] has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. [His/Her] kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression on all of us. [Retiree’s Name], thank you for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to our organization. You have left an indelible mark on our company and our lives, and we are forever grateful for all that you have done for us. As you move into retirement, we hope you will take this opportunity to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue all the things you’ve always wanted to do. We know that you will continue to inspire and lead in whatever you do next, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for everything.

Retirement Speech For Principals From Teachers Or School Staff

Here’s a sample retirement speech for a principal from teachers or school staff:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate the retirement of one of the most distinguished and accomplished principals to ever lead our school, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our school community for [insert number of years] years, and [he/she] will be greatly missed. As a principal, [Retiree’s Name] has been more than just a leader. [He/She] has been a mentor, a role model, and a champion for our students, faculty, and staff. [His/Her] unwavering commitment to excellence, [his/her] tireless work ethic, and [his/her] dedication to our school have left an indelible mark on our community. Under [Retiree’s Name]’s leadership, our school has thrived. [He/She] has implemented innovative programs, embraced new technologies, and fostered a culture of learning and growth that has inspired us all. [His/Her] ability to connect with students and staff on a personal level, to listen to their concerns, and to provide guidance and support has made [him/her] one of the most beloved leaders in our school. But [Retiree’s Name]’s impact goes far beyond our school walls. [He/She] has been an active member of our community, serving on boards, volunteering, and always striving to make our city a better place. [His/Her] leadership and vision have profoundly impacted our entire community, and [he/she] will be remembered as one of the most outstanding educators and leaders of our time. [Retiree’s Name], we want to thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to our school and our community. You have left a lasting legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire future generations of students, faculty, and staff . As you embark on this next phase of your life, we hope you will take some time to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished. You have touched so many lives, and your impact will be felt for years to come. Congratulations on your retirement, and have a happy, healthy, and joyful retired life.

Retirement Speech For Father From Children

Here’s a retirement speech example for your father:

Good evening, everyone. Today, we come together to celebrate a very special man—my father—[Retiree’s Name]. After [insert number of years] years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, my father has decided to retire. For as long as I can remember, my father has been the hardest-working man I know. He has always put his family first, and he has sacrificed so much to provide for us. Through his tireless work and unwavering commitment, my father has built a legacy of strength, determination, and love that will live on for generations. As a father, my dad has been my rock. He has been there for me through thick and thin, always providing a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a guiding hand. His wisdom, compassion, and selflessness have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for his love and support. Now that my father is retiring, I know that he will finally have the chance to relax and enjoy his well-deserved retirement. I am excited to see him explore new hobbies, travel the world, and spend more time with his us. Dad, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been an amazing father, provider, and role model, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve shared and the memories to come. As you enter this next phase of your life, know that we are here for you and support you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, and we know that you will continue to inspire and lead in whatever you do next. Congratulations on your retirement, Dad, and thank you for everything.

Retirement Speech For Mom From Children

Here’s a sample retirement speech for a mother from her children:

Welcome, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to her family and her career—my mother—[Retiree’s Name]. After [insert number of years] years of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion, my mother has decided to retire. As a mother, my mom has been an inspiration to us all. She has always put her family first, sacrificing so much to provide for us, support us, and love us unconditionally. Through her unwavering commitment and dedication, my mother has built a legacy of strength, resilience, and compassion that will live on for generations. As a professional, my mother has been a true leader. She has dedicated her career to [insert profession], making a profound impact on the lives of so many people. Her expertise, innovation, and passion have inspired colleagues, mentees, and students alike, and she will be remembered as one of the most outstanding professionals in her field. Now that my mother is retiring, I know that she will finally have the chance to relax and enjoy [her/his] well-deserved retirement. I am excited to see her explore new hobbies, travel the world, and spend more time with her loved ones. Mom, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been an amazing mother, provider, and role model, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve shared. As you enter this next phase of your life, know that we are here for you and support you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Make sure to kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Congratulations Mom. You deserve a happy, healthy, and joyful retirement.

Retirement Speech For Retired Military Personnel

Here’s an example of a military retirement speech by a retiree:

Good afternoon, everyone. As I stand here today, I am filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am excited for the next chapter in my life, but on the other hand, I am sad to be leaving behind the military family that has become such a big part of my life. After [number] years of service, it is time for me to hang up my uniform and retire. When I first joined the military, I could never have imagined the incredible experiences that were in store for me. I have had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest men and women this country has to offer. Together, we have faced countless challenges, from training exercises to deployments to combat missions. Through it all, I have learned the true meaning of teamwork and the importance of trust, loyalty, and dedication. I would like to take a moment to thank my fellow service members for their unwavering support and camaraderie. You have made my time in the military unforgettable, and I am honored to have served alongside every one of you. I would also like to thank my family for their constant love and encouragement. Your sacrifices and support have made it possible for me to pursue my dreams and proudly serve my country. Without you, I would not be where I am today. As I prepare to transition to civilian life, I am excited about what the future holds. I look forward to spending more time with my loved ones, pursuing new interests and hobbies, and positively impacting my community. I want to express my gratitude to the military for allowing me to serve my country and make a difference in the world. Working alongside you has been an honor and a privilege, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together. Thank you, and goodbye!

Retirement Speech For Retired Military Personnel From Another Personnel

Here’s a sample military retirement speech for a retiree:

Dear [Retiree’s name], Today, we gather to honor and celebrate your years of dedicated service to our country. You have served with distinction, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Throughout your career, you have demonstrated the qualities that define the best of the military: loyalty, honor, and selflessness. You have sacrificed much, spent long hours away from your loved ones, and faced danger with courage and resolve. Your service has made a real difference, and we are proud to have served alongside you. But now, as you enter this new phase of your life, we know you will continue to impact the world. You will apply the lessons you learned in the military to whatever path you choose next. You will inspire others with your example, just as you have inspired us. As you leave the service, we want you to know that you will always be a part of our military family. We will remember your contributions, and we will be here for you whenever you need us. On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank you for your service and wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement. May the years ahead be filled with joy, adventure, and the satisfaction of a life well-lived. Congratulations!

A farewell retirement speech is more than just a formality. It’s a meaningful moment for saying goodbye, reflecting on your journey, and connecting with your colleagues, friends, and family.

When you retire, you often get one chance to share your story, which is through your retirement speech. Take this unique opportunity to make your story known and leave a lasting impression on everyone. To do so, follow the steps and suggestions mentioned earlier. Also, feel free to use the examples provided and add your own experiences and personality to them.

If you want to learn more about retiree life and get extra insights, check out my website for more relevant content.

My wife and I quit the rat race and retired in 2021. We RV'ed around the US for a couple of years and now we're slow traveling outside the US!

Recent Posts

How To Write A Memorable Retirement Tribute: 5 Easy Steps

Someone is retiring, and you want to write a tribute to honor the retiree and show your respect, gratitude, and appreciation. Well, no need to look further! In this article, you'll find everything...

Top 5 Best Retirement Gifts

Finding the perfect retirement gift is hard. You might wonder, what is a good retirement gift? A great retirement gift is a;- Memorable keepsake,- Gift to enjoy in retirement,- Funny gift,-...

• Virtual Experiences
• In-Person Experiences
• Hybrid Experiences
• Attend a Demo
• Experience FAQ
• Features & Benefits
• How Pricing Works
• Client Testimonials
• Happiness Guarantee
• Schedule Call
• View Experiences

70 Retirement Wishes, Messages & Sentiments for Coworkers

By: Grace He | Updated: November 30, 2022

You discovered our list of the best retirement wishes for coworkers .

Retirement wishes for coworkers are verbal or written farewell words to share with a retiring colleague. For example, “congratulations, and happy retirement.” The purpose of these sentiments is to celebrate, commend, and reassure the retiring coworker as they begin the next stage of their lives.

You can use these phrases as part of virtual retirement parties , retirement gifts , or online farewell parties . These sentiments are similar to work anniversary messages and employee appreciation quotes .

This article covers

• retirement wishes for a friend
• retirement messages for a boss
• retirement messages for coworkers
• retirement wishes for long time colleagues
• funny retirement wishes
• retirement wishes for a mentor
• retirement memes

Let’s get started!

Retirement wishes for a friend

• Buddy, your retirement came too early, and the workplace will never be the same. I will miss the moments we shared, especially the humor, chats, and the evening walks. I only hope that you will enjoy every single day of your retirement.
• I hope that this retirement gives you a better chance to bond with friends and family. Just don’t forget that we are friends that became family. Happy retirement!
• It is not easy to say goodbye. But, I will hold on to the fond memories of working with you. I hope that this retirement brings you joy and peace.
• Retirement is about spending less time with colleagues and more time relaxing with friends and family. I am glad that our friendship gives us the privilege to be together even after you retire. To more happy times!
• Friends never leave but live in the heart and mind. So this retirement is not a goodbye, but a see you soon. I will miss you, pal.
• I can’t believe I will be working as you nap. That’s not what friends do. Enjoy your retirement.
• Let’s clarify some matters before you go. It is you who is retiring and not our friendship. I still expect more visits, meet-ups, and golf games, as long as it is not on working time.
• Finally, the day to retire has come. Remember to schedule me in as you make plans for all the stuff we love doing together.
• Like every other colleague in the room, I am crying. But I don’t know if I am sad that you are leaving the office or if I am thrilled at the thought of having endless beer time with you.
• You won the retirement race first, but I still get to earn a salary. How about a weekend outing before you leave the city? All bills on me.

Retirement messages for a boss

• You have been a great boss, and I truly appreciate the effort you put into mentoring me. I hope that you enjoy your retirement, Boss.
• The workplace will not be the same. We will miss your guidance and humor. I hope that you won’t stop sharing your pieces of advice and funny jokes because the world needs them. Enjoy this lifetime rest.
• Retirement is a time of self-reflection. As you begin yours, I hope you realize how much of a blessing you have been to me. Happy relaxation, Sir.
• It is not every day that you get a boss who is also a great support. Thank you for the constant advice, discipline, and motivation which has helped me progress in my career. As you retire to be with the folks you love, I hope you experience a similar support system. Happy retirement.
• It is sad that we are partially parting ways, but I trust that your guidance is sufficient to keep me going. Enjoy your retirement, Ma’am.
• A leader will always be a leader, even in retirement. I wish you the best as you begin this new chapter of your life.
• You have left a good legacy of a commendable work ethic and excellent service. We hope that you will continue to impact society with your great enthusiasm.
• This retirement marks the end of a chapter. The words you have written in the story are powerful and encouraging. As you begin the next chapter, I wish you well. May your story be even more inspiring.
• You have completed a successful career. It is time for well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Retirement messages for coworkers

• You are now retired. So much fun lies ahead, and I hope you get to relish every part of the fun.
• I may seem happy to release you, but deep down in my heart, I wish you could stay longer. Enjoy your deserved retirement.
• As the wine gets finer with time, so are you. You are at your finest time to start this retirement life. Enjoy!
• Now you have all the time to catch up on sleep, hobbies, and vacations. Enjoy every part of your new life.
• You have always given the best in every project you do. How about putting that kind of effort in with nothing to do? Enjoy your retirement.
• Congratulations on your retirement. With a whole world of free time, now is the time to revisit your bucket list.
• You are one of the best colleagues I have worked with. How I wish I could still hold on to you. Happy retirement.
• Today you leave the office for a relaxing time with your family. I hope you get all the peace you desire.
• Congratulations, you are now free. No more meetings, no more deadlines, and no more bossy bosses. Enjoy your retirement.

Retirement wishes for long time colleagues

• Your career ride may have been a roller coaster. We have gone through tough times, but we have seen better days. Now look who made it first! Congratulations on your retirement.
• I have seen you rise through the career ranks, and I think this is the best promotion ever! Congratulations to the newest retiree in town.
• Congratulations on your retirement. You have worked so hard to earn this milestone. May this new journey refresh and strengthen you.
• I will miss you dearly. I look forward to keeping in touch with you as you proceed with your retirement.
• Retirement marks the end of a familiar phase and welcomes you to the new and exciting life you hope for. May you find joy in your retirement.
• As you begin this new life, I want you to remember that you are not too old to make new goals. Go for the things you want because you deserve them.
• Today you begin an endless holiday, and I am so excited for you. Wishing you the best of times.
• I hate saying goodbyes because they make me cry. Yet, I would rather your last memory of me be a happy face. Therefore, I am writing this message to present this retirement card with a smile. If you see my tears, know it is because of the sweet memories together. Chao!
• You have reached an incredible level of freedom. No more daily commutes and no more waking up so early. Can we trade places?

Funny retirement wishes

• You are a great employee, and your ability to deliver was amazing. I wonder whether your ability to relax will be equally awesome.
• Our department loses one chatty employee to retirement. I guess that means increased productivity, but also increased boredom. We shall surely miss you.
• Congratulations on retiring. Your perks include taking naps during work hours and staying at home on weekdays. Enjoy this endless freedom.
• We did not bargain for your retirement, buddy. Who’s going to cover up for me when you leave?
• Though we are reluctant to let go of you, one positive thing comes with your retirement. You will do no work, yet you won’t have to sweat over missed deadlines! Happy resting.
• You have been doing one job tremendously well lately– brightening the office mood with your interesting encounters. Methinks you should write a book on your adventures, especially now when you have all the time!
• The good thing about retirement is that you become your own boss. What’s more, you don’t need to deal with employee issues. So, enjoy!
• Retirement means accessing your life savings without being judged. May you find fulfillment in whatever you invest your time, money, and energy in.
• As you pack your stuff to go home, please carry as much enthusiasm as possible! It is not easy having no work to do all day, all year. Enjoy your long rest.
• You always kept us on our toes and encouraged us to give our best, boss. I doubt we can do as much without the pressure.
• Goodbye to the coats and ties. You are all officially retired!
• Welcome to retirement life, where you set the alarm to schedule sleep, and your work is to rest.

Retirement wishes for a mentor

• You’re the one that welcomed me and helped me find a footing in the department. You have since been my mentor, and I cherish you a lot. It is hard to say goodbye, but you deserve this retirement. Enjoy every bit of it.
• You are such a gem! I will be forever grateful for the great work relationship I have had with you. You have challenged me and helped me to grow professionally. I just didn’t realize that so much time had passed and that you will soon leave. I hope you enjoy this much-deserved rest.
• May your retirement life be as remarkable as your efforts in mentoring me have been. Best wishes!
• Your dedication to the company is unrivaled. I have personally benefited from your coaching and mentorship. I hope you enjoy your retirement life.
• You have put so much effort into your work, and we really appreciate it. We will miss you, but you deserve this lifetime rest.
• If today I met you for the first time, I would not tell that you are retiring. I admire your zeal for inspiring and mentoring me to grow, and I hope you will spend that enthusiasm on the things you love to do. Happy retirement.
• You welcomed me with a smile when I first entered this office. Since then, you have been my cheering squad, mentor, and friend. Thank you for all the encouragement and support. As you retire today, I wish you the very best. You will always be welcome in my life. Have a joyous retirement.

Short retirement wishes

• Your retirement just began. Live it, love it.
• Goodbye to all the pressure, welcome the endless leisure.
• Congratulations on your retirement. Let us keep in touch.
• I hope you enjoy the life ahead. Happy retirement.
• Here comes a lifetime of weekends, enjoy!
• Congratulations and happy retirement.
• Congratulations on earning this retirement. Wishing you happy times.
• We were so lucky to have you. Now it is your family’s turn.
• Dear world, here comes the most warm-hearted retiree ever. Be kind to her.
• May this new chapter bring you immeasurable joy, peace, love, and fulfillment.
• Congrats! May this retirement be the best part of your life.
• Finally, you have earned your retirement! You now have time for all your hobbies.
• Sending good thoughts your way as you retire today.
• May your dreams come true as you begin your retirement.

Helpful tips on writing retirement messages

Crafting a befitting retirement message may be tricky. These tips will guide you to write a memorable message.

1. Congratulate the retiree

Whether the retiree is going for early retirement or has worked up to the official retirement, they deserve to be celebrated. Working involves a lot of sacrifices, commitment, and the ability to handle disappointment. Therefore, adding a simple congratulatory message is a sufficient sentiment. For example, “congratulations on your retirement!”

2. Highlight the retiree’s achievements

Every employee prides on their achievements. Commending the retiree’s accomplishments is an effective way to show them their value and contribution to the organization.

Get our free team building toolbox

• icebreaker games
• bingo cards

3. Mirror the retiree’s feelings about the retirement

Some retirees are very excited about retirement, while others have a much harder time coping with the thought of leaving employment. Understanding what the retiree feels should guide your choice of words. For example, focus on congratulating the excited retiree and reassuring the unenthusiastic retiree.

4. Be sincere with the message

The work environment may present situations where employees disagree. You and the retiree may have differed on project execution, principles, or ideologies. However, it is a good idea to sincerely acknowledge the retiree’s good deeds when crafting the retirement message.

5. Use humor appropriately

Humor leaves a lasting good feeling and makes your message more memorable to the retiree. If you and the retiree were very close and understand the retiree well, then put a bright smile on their face with good humor.

However, beware that some jokes are unwelcome. Here are situations to limit humor.

• When you are unfamiliar with the retiree
• When you know that the retiree has a poor sense of humor
• When using sensitive jokes such as getting older, becoming fragile, and approaching death.

Being cautious in these situations and using humor sparingly can prevent your message from going in an unwanted direction.

6. Highlight some special memories

Though retirement is a parting time, mentioning memorable moments in a retirement message enhances bonds with retirees. It is a good idea to highlight what you will remember about the retiring employee. For example, “I shall miss your hilarious stories.”

Retirement wishes are is a special way to say farewell to the retiring colleague. When written thoughtfully, retirement sentiments delight the retiree. Therefore, personalizing the message makes the wishes authentic and sincere. Some effective ways to craft a good message include, thanking, congratulating, leaving a good wish, and reminding the retiree of the good times together.

Next, check out this list of the best retirement memes , and these lists of office party ideas and Boss Day messages .

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Retirement wishes

Here are answers to common questions about retirement wishes.

How do you congratulate someone on their retirement?

Here are different ways to congratulate someone on their retirement.

1. Using congratulatory words, for example, “Bravo, or Kudos for making it to retirement!”

2. Using simple and sincere messages, e.g., “Congratulations on your retirement. You have worked so hard to earn it. Enjoy.”

3. Mentioning the retiring employee’s achievements, e.g., “You are leaving a good legacy of a commendable work ethic and excellent service delivery. We hope you will continue to impact society with your great zeal.”

4. Mentioning how the retiree impacted you. For instance, “Your dedication to the company is unrivaled. I have personally benefited from your coaching and mentorship. I hope you enjoy your retirement life.”

4. Well-wishing, for example, “May your retirement life be as remarkable as your efforts to the company have been.”

5. Sharing a joke about the retirement, e.g., “You are a great employee and your ability to deliver was amazing. But, I wonder whether your ability to relax will be equally amazing.”

Whichever congratulatory form you decide to use on your message, ensure that it positively impacts the retiring staff.

What are good things to write in a retirement card?

A befitting retirement message may include an appreciation of the retiree’s contribution, commendation for accomplishments, well wishes, short advice, and humor.

What are the best examples of retirement wishes?

Here are a few of our best picks

• It is not easy to say goodbye, But, I will hold on to the sweet memories of working with you. I hope that this retirement brings you joy and peace.
• You have completed a successful career. It is time for a refreshing atmosphere.

These examples give folks inspiration on what to write on a retirement card. However, you can add a few more sentiments to personalize your message.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

Leave a Reply Cancel

Your email address will not be published.

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.

Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

• 45,000+ clients including Apple, Amazon, Google and NASA
• 50,225+ five star reviews on Google
• #15 on Inc 5000's List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for 2022
• 80+ happy remote employees

We lead wildly fun experiences for teams with 1,000,000+ players to date.

4.96 / 5.0 rating on

50,225 Google Reviews

Get our free team building tool box

$49 value at no cost..

• May as well check it out?
• 100+ tested icebreaker questions
• 24+ themed Bingo generators
• 5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
• 2024 team building calendar and more...

Enter your email for instant access

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Employee Engagement Platform
• Recognition Platform
• Service Awards
• Peer Recognition
• Custom Awards
• Health and Wellness
• Step Challenges

Explore our selection of awards

We are Terryberry. The recognition company that creates engaged, purpose-led organizations.

Interested in joining us to create recognition solutions? Let’s talk.

• Sales Incentives
• White Papers
• HR Tech Grand Rapids 2024
• Play In The Workplace Workshop

+40,000 engaged organizations worldwide have partnered with Terryberry

See what Terryberry clients have to say

Learn how Terryberry has partnered with organizations

Can we help you access your program information?

Can we help you with your recognition questions?

Can we help you find the status of your order?

Welcome to Terryberry where we transform employee engagement with one powerful platform. Get started today!

What to Say in a Retirement Card: 48 Messages, Tips, & Examples

August 16, 2024

• Share this post

Finding the right words to say in a retirement card can feel like trying to write poetry. Sometimes, the words just won’t come. If that sounds like you, don’t panic—you’ve come to the right place.

Retirement marks a major transition to the next chapter of life. It’s a moment filled with excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of apprehension. Finding the right words to convey your feelings in a retirement card can be challenging but incredibly rewarding, and there’s no shame in getting a little help.

After all, it’s not just about saying goodbye—it’s about celebrating a remarkable career filled with achievements, memories, and contributions . A retirement celebration is a perfect opportunity to honor these milestones and express heartfelt gratitude.

And it’s about kickstarting the next adventure.

Below, we’ll guide you through the process of what to say in a retirement card with tips and examples to inspire your own one-of-a-kind “happy retirement” message.

What Is a Retirement Card?

A retirement card is a thoughtful way to celebrate and honor someone who is transitioning from their professional career to retirement life. It’s more than just a piece of paper with a few words scribbled on it—it’s a keepsake that captures your appreciation, well-wishes, and shared memories.

Retirement cards are often given during a retirement party, making the occasion even more special and memorable.

Retirement cards typically include messages that acknowledge the retiree’s hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they’ve had throughout their career.

They can be funny, heartfelt, or a mix of both—it all depends with your relationship with the person and the tone you want to set.

What to Say in a Retirement Card

There are good, better, and best ways to write a retirement card. It’s more than just a retirement wish for someone to do well—it’s about making them feel truly valued and appreciated .

Here’s what to write in a retirement card to send the right message and leave a lasting impression.

Acknowledge Their Achievements : Highlight their contributions and the impact they’ve had on the organization.

• “Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference here.”

Express Gratitude : Show appreciation for their years of service and the positive influence they’ve had.

• “Thank you for your unwavering commitment and all the wisdom you’ve shared with us.”

Consider including a retirement gift as a token of appreciation.

Wish Them Well : Offer sincere good wishes for their retirement journey.

• “Wishing you a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures.”

Share a Personal Memory or Anecdote : Personalize your message with a memorable moment or inside joke.

• “I’ll always remember the time we tackled that big project together. Your leadership was inspiring.”

Encourage Future Pursuits : Inspire them to pursue hobbies, travel, or new experiences.

• “May you finally have the time to explore all those places you’ve dreamed about.”

Keep It Positive : Maintain a positive and uplifting tone.

• “Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone!”

What Not to Say in a Retirement Card

Writing a retirement card can be tricky—there are right and wrong ways to go about it. Some things are best left unsaid to guarantee your message is both appropriate and uplifting.

Negative Comments About Work : Avoid bringing up any work-related grievances or negative experiences.

• "Now you don’t have to deal with all the office politics anymore."

Age-Related Remarks : Steer clear of jokes or comments about age or getting old.

• "You’re finally old enough to retire!"

Anything Too Personal or Sensitive : Respect their privacy and avoid overly personal remarks.

• "Hope you can finally spend more time with your family now that you’re free."

Implying Boredom : Avoid suggesting that retirement might be dull or uneventful.

• "What are you going to do with all that free time?"

Uncertain Future : Don’t bring up concerns about their future or health.

• "Hope you can keep busy now that you’re retired."

48 Retirement Card Messages Examples

Finding the right words for your retirement card can be downright daunting. You want your personal message to be heartfelt, memorable, and appropriate for the relationship you share with the retiree.

These messages can also be used for a retirement announcement to make the occasion even more special.

Whether you’re writing to a boss, retiring colleague, friend, or family member, the right words can make a lasting impact.

And we can help.

Below, we’ve curated a collection of retirement card examples tailored to different work relationships. Find the category that matches your use case to see practical examples you can personalize for your own message.

Retirement Messages to Your Boss

Writing a retirement message to your boss can feel a bit tricky—you want to be respectful but also convey your genuine appreciation and best wishes. Another way to convey these messages is through a retirement letter, which can provide a more formal and detailed expression of your sentiments.

Here are a few examples to help you strike the right balance:

• “Congrats on your retirement! It’s been amazing working under your guidance. Enjoy every moment of your well-deserved break!”
• “Happy retirement! Your leadership and support have meant the world to me. Here’s to a future filled with relaxation and adventure.”
• “Best wishes as you retire! Your wisdom and kindness have made a big impact on all of us. Enjoy this next chapter to the fullest.”
• “Happy retirement! Thanks for being such an inspiring leader and mentor. May your retirement be filled with all the things you love.”
• “Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Your guidance has been invaluable. Wishing you lots of joy and relaxation, whatever lies ahead.”
• “Enjoy your retirement! You’ve been an amazing boss and mentor. Here’s to new adventures and endless relaxation.”
• “Wishing you all the best in your retirement! Your dedication and leadership will be greatly missed. Have a wonderful life ahead!”
• “Happy retirement! Your support and leadership have been incredible. May your retirement be just as amazing as your career has been.”
• “Congrats on your retirement! Your hard work and dedication have been truly inspiring. Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling retirement.”
• “Best wishes for a fantastic retirement! Your leadership has shaped our team in so many positive ways. Enjoy every moment of your new journey.”
• “Happy retirement! Thanks for being a great boss and for all the guidance. May your days be filled with relaxation and happiness.”
• “Wishing you a wonderful retirement! Your impact on the team has been tremendous. Enjoy this well-earned time to yourself.”
• “Congrats on retiring! Your wisdom and leadership will be missed. Hope your retirement is everything you’ve dreamed of.”
• “Happy retirement! It’s been an honor working with you. Thank you for all your support and guidance. Enjoy this new chapter!”
• “Best wishes on your retirement! Your dedication and leadership have been inspiring. May your retirement be as rewarding as your career.”

Retirement Messages to Your Direct Report

Writing a retirement message to your direct report is an excellent opportunity to show appreciation for their hard work , celebrate their accomplishments, and wish them well. Whether it's a formal retirement announcement or a personal note, these messages can convey your heartfelt sentiments.

Here are a few different ways you can approach it:

• “Congratulations on your retirement, [Name]! It’s been a pleasure working with you these past [number] years. Your dedication, expertise, and positive attitude have been invaluable to the team. We’ll miss you, and we wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter!”
• “[Name], your contributions to the team have been truly remarkable. From [mention specific achievement] to [mention another achievement], you’ve consistently impressed with your skills and work ethic. We’re grateful for your impact, and we wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement!”
• “[Name], congratulations on finally escaping the clutches of work (us)! We’ll definitely miss your [positive personality trait] and [another positive personality trait], but we know you’re off to bigger and better things. Enjoy your retirement!”
• “[Name], it’s been a privilege working with you and learning from your experience. Your guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in my professional growth. Thank you for everything, and enjoy a wonderful retirement!”
• “From the entire team, a heartfelt congratulations on your retirement, [Name]! You’ve been a fantastic colleague and a true asset to our team. We’ve learned so much from you, and we’ll miss your presence around here. Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement!”
• “[Name], you’ve always struck a perfect balance between work and personal life. Now, it’s time to focus on the latter! Congratulations on your retirement. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment.”
• “As John Lennon said, ‘Life begins at forty.’ Well, retirement is kind of like life beginning again at [retirement age]! Congratulations, [Name], and enjoy every moment of this new chapter.”

Retirement Messages for Colleagues

Sometimes, it’ll be a former colleague or coworker from another team retiring. A thoughtful gesture to accompany the message could be a retirement gift.

You may or may not have worked closely with them, but regardless, here are some messages you could send:

• “Congratulations on your retirement, [Name]! It’s been a pleasure working alongside you these past [number] years. Your positive attitude and collaborative spirit will be truly missed. Wishing you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!”
• “[Name], the office won’t be the same without your friendly presence and our [shared activity/inside joke]! Congratulations on your retirement. Here’s to many more adventures and shared stories in the years to come.”
• “[Name], congratulations on your retirement! We’ll definitely miss your [positive personality trait] and the fun conversations around the water cooler. Enjoy your well-deserved freedom!”
• “Congratulations on your retirement, [Name]! While we won’t see you around the office every day, I hope we can stay in touch. Let’s grab coffee or lunch sometime soon! Wishing you all the best.”
• “Congratulations on your retirement, [Name]! We’re sad to see you go, but also secretly envious of your newfound freedom. Enjoy your well-deserved break, and don’t forget about us! (Just kidding…mostly.)”

Retirement Messages for Friends

A time will come when one of your friends retires, and then another, and another. When that time comes, you’ll be writing these messages on the regular—here are some ideas for mixing it up while keeping it personal.

These messages are perfect for any retirement celebration:

• “Hey [Friend’s Name], so I hear you’re graduating from the school of hard knocks (aka work) to the college of FUN! Congratulations on your retirement! Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures (and maybe snag some travel tips).”
• “Remember all those times we said, ‘Can’t wait to retire!’? Well, guess who gets to live the dream now? Congrats on winning the retirement race, [Friend’s Name]! Here’s to new chapters, old friendships, and making some fond memories together.”
• “Dear [Friend’s Name], Congratulations on your retirement! I’m so incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished in your career. Now it’s time to relax, recharge, and do all the things you love. Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement filled with joy and good health.”
• “Retirement looks amazing on you, [Friend’s Name]! Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter!”
• “Congrats on your retirement, [Friend’s Name]! Now you finally have all the time in the world to [mention a funny hobby or dream they have]. Don’t forget to send me pictures (or postcards, if you’re feeling fancy)!“

Retirement Messages for Leadership

Your executive leadership team or original founders will eventually leave the business, and if they do at retirement age, you have the privilege of sending them off on the right foot. A retirement letter is another way to convey these messages.

Here are some ideas to do that the right way:

• “Congratulations on your retirement, [Leader’s Name]! Your leadership, vision, and dedication have left a lasting impact on this company. We are all forever grateful for your contributions and wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement!”
• “Congratulations on your retirement, [Leader’s Name]! While you’ll be stepping down from your official role, we know you’ll always be a valuable resource. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can ever be of assistance.”
• “We’ll miss your leadership, [Leader’s Name] (but maybe not those early morning meetings!). Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy your well-deserved freedom, and don’t forget about us!”
• “[Leader’s Name], your strategic vision and decisive leadership have guided us through challenging times and propelled us to new heights. Congratulations on your retirement and continued success in your future endeavors!”

Funny Retirement Wishes

Sometimes, funny retirement wishes will hit the sweet spot in your card. These messages are perfect for sharing at a retirement party to bring a smile to everyone's face.

When that’s the case, use these funny retirement wishes for inspiration:

• “Congrats on your retirement! It’s like a permanent vacation, except you don’t have to come back and pretend to work.”
• “Wishing you all the best in your retirement! Just remember, every day is Saturday now, except Sunday, which is still Sunday.”
• “Happy retirement! No more deadlines, no more meetings, and best of all, no more annoying coworkers (except us, of course)!”
• “Best wishes for a fantastic retirement! May your days be filled with joy, relaxation, and not a single work-related email.”
• “Happy retirement! Time to say goodbye to your boss and hello to your new boss: your spouse!”
• “Wishing you a wonderful retirement—you’re lucky we didn’t make you give a retirement speech. May your to-do list be short and your nap times be long.”
• “Congrats on retiring! Now you can finally throw away your alarm clock. Trust me, you won’t miss it.”
• “Wishing you a retirement full of good books, good wine, and no responsibilities. You’ve earned it!”
• “Congrats on your retirement! Now you can stay up late and not feel guilty about it. Enjoy the freedom!”
• “Happy early retirement! You’re officially done with ‘working hard’ and moving on to ‘hardly working’.”
• “Congrats on your retirement! Your only deadlines now are golf tee times and happy hours.”
• “Best retirement wishes! May your days be filled with laughter, joy, and zero spreadsheets.”

Create a Comprehensive Recognition Program with Terryberry

Learning what to say in a retirement card is the first step in recognizing the successful career of an employee, but it's just the beginning.

You have plenty of other milestones to celebrate in the workplace, from the first day on the job to five years with your company.

Schedule a demo with our team to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you create an impactful recognition program.

• Did you like this post? Share it:

Written Samples

7 retirement speech samples (from the retiree).

Retirement marks a significant milestone in an individual’s life, representing decades of work, achievement, and transformation. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and sometimes bittersweet farewells.

A well-crafted retirement speech serves not only as a personal testament to one’s career but also as a source of inspiration and guidance for colleagues, friends, and family.

Sample Retirement Speeches (from the Retiree)

The speeches outlined in this article are tailored to encapsulate various careers, personalities, and sentiments, each offering a unique perspective on the transition from a professional life to retirement. They are detailed, and imbued with a mix of emotions and anecdotes, making each one a memorable ode to the retiree’s journey.

Speech 1: The Public Servant’s Lasting Commitment

As I stand before you, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that has brought me to this moment. My career in public service was more than a job; it was a calling that I answered wholeheartedly, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. I remember the day I took my oath of office, feeling a profound sense of duty and anticipation for the work that lay ahead.

Over the years, I’ve served in various capacities, each with its unique challenges and rewards. I’ve been a steward of public trust, a policymaker, and an advocate for the voiceless. I’ve witnessed the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the impact of collective action. My journey has taken me from local town halls to national forums, always with the aim of serving the greater good.

The life of a public servant is often unsung, with long hours, difficult decisions, and constant scrutiny. Yet, it is also a life filled with immense satisfaction and purpose. I’ve seen policies enacted that have improved lives, initiatives that have sparked change, and moments of unity that have overcome division. These are the milestones that have marked my career and the memories that I will cherish as I move forward.

As I retire, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to serve, for the colleagues who have journeyed alongside me, and for the community that has entrusted me with their hopes and concerns. To those who will continue in public service, I leave you with this charge: serve with integrity, lead with compassion, and never lose sight of the people you are sworn to serve.

Retirement for me does not mean the end of my commitment to public service. It merely marks a transition to a new role. I look forward to supporting causes close to my heart, volunteering in my community, and perhaps, enjoying a little more quiet time with family and friends. The path of service is never truly complete; it simply evolves.

As I close this chapter, I am overwhelmed with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the future. My years of service have been an honor and a privilege, and I step down with the knowledge that the work we do matters, that each of us can make a difference, and that the journey of service is one of the most rewarding paths one can take. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, for the memories, and for the journey that lies ahead.

Speech 2: The Healthcare Hero’s New Chapter

Today, as I stand before you, I am reminded of the very first day I stepped into the hospital as a young, eager healthcare professional. It was a day filled with nervous excitement and a profound commitment to the journey ahead. My career in healthcare has been nothing short of a calling—a relentless pursuit to heal, comfort, and improve lives.

Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed the spectrum of human resilience and vulnerability. I’ve held the hands of those fighting for their next breath and shared the joy of those overcoming illness. Each patient’s story has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the profound impact healthcare workers have on individual lives and the community at large.

My path has been filled with continuous learning, adapting to new medical advancements, and always striving to provide the best care possible. The long hours and emotional toll were balanced by the camaraderie among colleagues and the unwavering spirit of our patients. I’ve seen the healthcare landscape evolve, driven by innovation and a collective commitment to bettering public health.

As I retire, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories and experiences. I leave behind a legacy of care and hope that the next generation of healthcare professionals continues to carry the torch with the same passion and dedication. The journey does not end here for me; it merely shifts. I look forward to volunteering, perhaps mentoring the next generation, and taking some well-deserved time to nurture my well-being.

To those who continue in the field of healthcare, remember the profound impact you have. Your hands heal, your words comfort, and your presence brings hope. Continue to advocate for your patients, for each other, and for the health of our communities. The world needs you more than ever.

Thank you for the honor of serving alongside you, for the lessons learned, and for the countless lives we’ve touched together. As I step into this new chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and eyes looking forward to the horizon of possibilities that retirement brings.

Speech 3: The Journey of a Lifelong Educator

As I stand here today, I am filled with a multitude of emotions. After 35 years of waking up at dawn, preparing lessons, grading papers, and most importantly, nurturing young minds, the halls of education will surely miss my footsteps. My career began as a bright-eyed teacher in a small town, armed with nothing but a passion for literature and a desire to make a difference. Over the years, I witnessed thousands of students cross the threshold of my classroom, each leaving a mark on my heart.

I remember the countless school plays, the science fairs, and the joy of seeing a struggling student finally grasp a difficult concept. These moments were not just the milestones of my career but the building blocks of the community we created together. However, this journey was not without its challenges. Budget cuts, policy changes, and the ever-evolving landscape of education meant constant adaptation. Yet, these hurdles only strengthened my resolve to provide the best education possible.

As I retire, I carry with me not just memories but lessons learned and friendships forged. To my colleagues, I leave behind a legacy of dedication and hope you continue to inspire as I have been inspired. To the students, past and present, remember that education is a lifelong journey, and you are its navigators. I look forward to the next chapter, knowing that the impact we’ve made together is indelible.

Speech 4: A Financier’s Farewell

Today marks not an end but a culmination of a three-decade-long adventure in the world of finance. From the bustling floors of the stock exchange to the intense boardroom negotiations, my career has been nothing short of a thrilling ride. I started as a junior analyst, fueled by ambition and an insatiable curiosity about the markets. Each fiscal year brought new challenges and opportunities, from navigating economic downturns to celebrating record-breaking profits.

My journey was underscored by the relationships I built. To my clients, I was not just a financial advisor but a trusted partner in their aspirations. We celebrated successes and weathered storms together, always looking forward to the next opportunity. To my team, your dedication and ingenuity have been the driving force behind our success. Your resilience and commitment have not only shaped our company’s legacy but also defined my career.

As I step into retirement, I am excited for the future. The world of finance is ever-changing, and I have full confidence that the next generation will continue to innovate and lead with integrity. I look forward to watching from the sidelines, perhaps over morning coffee rather than market reports. Thank you for an incredible journey.

Speech 5: The Architect’s Blueprint for the Future

After years of drawing lines and envisioning spaces, the time has come for me to put down my pencil and step back from the drafting table. Architecture has been more than a career; it has been a passion that shaped my worldview and allowed me to leave a tangible mark on the world. From the first sketch to the final brick, each project was a story, a challenge, and an achievement.

My career took me to different cities and countries, each project reflecting the culture and community it was built for. I have had the honor of designing homes, institutions, and public spaces, each with its own story and significance. The late nights, the client meetings, and even the occasional setbacks were all part of a fulfilling narrative.

To the young architects just beginning their journey, I leave you with this advice: never stop dreaming and drawing. Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about the lives that unfold within them. As I step into retirement, I look forward to seeing the skyline continue to change, knowing that I had a hand in shaping it.

Speech 6: The Scientist’s Last Experiment

As I hang up my lab coat for the last time, I am struck by a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. My career as a scientist has been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. The laboratory has been my home, where hypotheses were tested, discoveries made, and sometimes, the impossible made possible.

From my early days as a doctoral candidate to leading groundbreaking research, the thrill of discovery never waned. I’ve seen the power of science to change lives, from developing new treatments to understanding the mysteries of the universe. My journey was not a solitary one; it was filled with collaboration, debate, and the shared joy of discovery.

To the next generation of scientists, keep questioning, exploring, and pushing the boundaries of what we know. The world is full of mysteries waiting to be solved, and now it’s your turn to lead the charge. As for me, retirement doesn’t mean the end of discovery; it’s simply a new chapter with unbounded possibilities.

Speech 7: The Entrepreneur’s Next Venture

Standing here today, I am reminded of the day I started my first business. It was more than just a venture; it was a leap of faith into a world of unknowns. Entrepreneurship is not just a career; it’s a lifestyle characterized by risk, innovation, and perseverance. I’ve had the pleasure of starting businesses, seeing them grow, and sometimes, letting them go.

Each business was a chapter in a larger story, filled with its own set of characters, challenges, and triumphs. I’ve learned that success is not just about profit but about impact and legacy. It’s about the jobs created, the communities supported, and the innovations that push society forward.

As I step into retirement, I do so with the knowledge that the entrepreneurial spirit never retires. I look forward to mentoring the next generation, investing in new ideas, and perhaps even starting a new venture or two. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what it holds.

Each speech reflects the essence of a career filled with dedication, challenges, and achievements. They serve as a farewell but also as a beacon for those who continue the journey. Retirement is not an end but a transition, an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and look forward to new beginnings.

Find a store

Retirement messages: what to write in a retirement card.

Retirement is a life event that can come with a mix of emotions: smiles and tears, excitement and uncertainty, a career full of memories and a future full of possibilities. When you add your own personal message to a retirement card, it’s a golden opportunity to emphasize the positives and make your recipient feel good about both past and future.

Need a few ideas for messages that make a new retiree feel honored, appreciated, and hopeful? Keep reading for writing tips and inspiration to help you do just that. Whether you’re writing to a colleague, friend, or family member, we’ve got a range of message approaches to help you strike just the right note when you sign your card.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark .

• Simple Congratulations
• Retirement Humor
• Relax and Enjoy
• Appreciation and Legacy
• New Adventures
• Miss You and Keep in Touch
• To a Family Member
• Warm Closings

Simple Congratulations  

A straightforward congrats message can be just right after the card itself has already said a lot, or when you have a strictly-business kind of relationship with the retiree.

• “Congratulations on your retirement! So incredibly happy for you.”
• “With heartfelt congratulations on your retirement,”
• “Congratulations on a standout career and best wishes for your retirement!”
• “You’re retiring! I have to say, I’m a little jealous…but mostly just happy for you. Congrats!”
• “It’s been a privilege working with you, and now it’s an honor helping you celebrate your retirement. Congratulations to you.”
• “Just wanted to congratulate you on your years of great work and wish you every happiness in retirement.”
• “Here’s to my favorite new retiree! Celebrating you today!”
• “Wishing you good times, good health, and good friends beside you in your retirement.”

Pro Tip : If the card has already stolen your thunder by saying “Congratulations,” then how about one of these alternatives:

• Best wishes,
• All the best,
• Here’s to you! Cheers!
• Happy for you!
• Celebrating a job well done!

Retirement Humor  

If you and the retiree are close and you know they’d appreciate a touch of humor, then feel free to share a laugh along with your warm wishes.

• “Are you sure you’re old enough to retire? I’m not quite buying it.”
• “So, that’s it? You’re leaving us just like that? Well…good for you!”
• “Have fun writing your next chapter! Try not to make it boring, okay?”
• “A toast to you as you retire! Granted, I’ll drink to about anything, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less happy for you!
• “Happy retirement! Time to live out your dreams…except the one where you’re in your skivvies in public.”
• “Bye-bye, early meetings…Hello, early bird special! Enjoy your newfound freedom!”
• “Cheers! So, where will you be traveling to first? And may I please come with you???”
• “You’re just like Jordan—going out at the top of your game. Congrats!”

Pro Tip: Avoid any mean-spirited humor. Laughing with—not at—is a good guideline.

Relax and Enjoy  

Maybe you want to remind the new retiree they’ve truly earned this chance to enjoy a slower pace of life, and encourage them to pursue passions they may have put on hold.

• “You’ve worked hard for so many years. You deserve to relax and take it easy for a change. Enjoy it!”
• “Congratulations on your retirement! I know you’re really going to love having more time to spend with your kids and grandkids.”
• “Remember 8:00 a.m. meetings and year-end reports? Well, now’s your chance to stop remembering them. In fact, forget all about ‘em. You’re free!”
• “I’m smiling just thinking about you spending more time on the lake. Here’s to enjoying all your happy places in retirement!”
• “Wishing you all the best as you retire. Knowing you, you’ll still be busy as ever—but at least it will be with things you love doing!”
• “Warmest congratulations! Whatever plans you pursue in retirement, may you enjoy them all the more knowing how completely you deserve this happy time of life.”
• “Your someday is here. Enjoy!”

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that most retirees these days aren’t exactly headed out to pasture. Most will continue to remain fairly active—with friends, family, travel, volunteering, or maybe even a second-act career.

Appreciation and Legacy  

Especially for a retiree who truly loved their career, or devoted years of their life to the same job, you might want to emphasize the contribution they’ve made and they legacy they’re leaving.

• “Honoring your 27 years of tireless service to our team, and celebrating the legacy of hard work and dedication you leave behind.”
• “So in awe of the way you put your heart into your work for all these years. You not only made a huge difference, but also touched a lot of lives along the way.”
• “So proud of you and your remarkable career. Hope you are, too!”
• “This comes to congratulate you on an outstanding career and to thank you for the lasting contribution you’ve made.”
• “Nothing but the best—that’s what you always gave. And that’s what you’re wished as you retire.”
• “You’re a true professional who’s shown by example that excellence is something to aim for every day. You inspire everyone around you to be an do more—and I know that will only continue in your retirement.”
• “You are simply irreplaceable. Congratulations on your very well-deserved retirement.”
• “I won’t be one bit surprised when people start coming out of the woodwork to celebrate your retirement with you. Because work was never just about work for you. It was about taking good care of everyone around you.”
• “We love all that you did. Now go and do all that you love.”

Pro Tip: Need a good word to describe the retiree? Try one of these: dedicated, committed, hard-working, inspiring, caring, friendly, expert, professional, masterful, unforgettable, incomparable, invaluable, irreplaceable

New Adventures  

Some go-getters are just barely getting started by the time they hit retirement. If that’s the kind or retiree you’re honoring, here are some message directions…

• “Congrats! I can tell you’re about to totally redefine what retirement means!”
• “Celebrating you as you retire. Can’t wait to watch you go put your energy where your passions are!”
• “Congratulations and best wishes! Looking forward to seeing what amazing thing you’ll do next…”
• “Here’s to taking the wide-open years ahead of you and turning them into an adventure!”
• “Cheers to your second act! May it be even more fantastic than the first.”
• “New places to go, new stories to live. Let the next chapter begin.”
• “You’re some who’s sure to keep doing, learning, and growing, even in retirement. I so admire that.”

Pro Tip: This kind of upbeat, future-focused message can be encouraging for both the recipient who knows exactly what they plan to do in retirement, and also the one who’s leaving things a little more open-ended. Either way, it’s great to communicate that you believe in them.

Miss You and Keep in Touch  

I’ll miss you may be a big part of what you want to write to a retiree you either worked with, or else knew primarily through their work (stylist, mail carrier, healthcare provider, accountant, etc.).

• “Sad for me but so happy for you! Congrats, and don’t be a stranger, okay?”
• “Congratulations on retiring! I sure am going to miss seeing you every day, but I wish you all the best.”
• “What an exciting change for you! Please keep me posted on all you’re doing in retirement. Looking forward to hearing your updates!”
• “I’m really going to miss your friendly, helpful, good-natured ways around here. Thanks for being you, and for making this such a special place to work.”
• “This place just won’t be the same without you. Miss you already!”
• “Here’s to you, Ms. Retiree! I definitely want to hear about what you’re up to, so here’s my contact info:”
• “I hate to see you go, but I love knowing you’ve got so much happiness ahead of you. Enjoy your retirement, and keep in touch!”

Pro Tip: Not sure if they have your phone number, email, or social-media handle to keep in touch? Write it in the card—either as part of your message or off to the side.

To a Family Member  

You’ll probably want to say many of the same things to a family member who’s retiring as you would to a friend or colleague—but maybe with a little extra pride and love mixed in.

• “With love and congratulations on your retirement,”
• “Mom, as you retire, I just want to remind you how proud I’ve always been of you and the work you do. You’ve set the example for me right from the start. You inspire me still…and you always will.”
• “Wonderful teacher to your students, wonderful friend to so many, wonderful brother to me…Celebrating a whole lot of wonderful as you retire!”
• “My favorite part of seeing you retire is knowing we’re about to have more sister time together! Happy for you! (And for me!)”
• “Congratulations on your retirement, Dad! As you celebrate, I hope you’re feeling incredibly proud, and also very loved.”

Pro Tip: With a family member or close friend, you’re more likely to know if they had any negative feelings about their job. But you don’t have to get into that. Instead, keep your message positive and future-focused.

Warm Closings  

A warm closing before your signature is like the bow on top of your message. Choose one of ours, or come up with one of your own.

• Best wishes!
• Best wishes for your retirement,
• All life’s best to you,
• Congratulations!
• Congratulations and best wishes,
• Warmest congratulations,
• Heartfelt congratulations,
• Gratefully,
• Lots of love,
• Love always,
• greeting card messages

Shop Retirement

You may also like, card ideas what to write in a boss’s day card.

The “job” of what to write in a Boss's Day card will be much easier with these tips from Hallmark writers on what you...

Wedding What to write in a bridal shower thank-you note

Find tips for what to write in a bridal shower thank-you note from the experts at Hallmark.

Card Ideas What to write: 238 short, sweet and funny gift card message ideas

From groceries to spa days and “just because” to birthdays, here are dozens of gift card message ideas to accompany y...

Valentine's Day How to write a love letter

Learn how to write a love letter from the experts at Hallmark.

Baby Baby shower wishes: What to write in a baby shower card

Of all the kinds of parties there are, baby showers are pretty much the sweetest. And the cutest. And the most likely...

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa card

Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January 1st...

Hanukkah Hanukkah wishes: What to write in a Hanukkah card

Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and friends....

Congratulations Congratulations messages: What to write in a congratulations card

A race run, a dream job landed, a new home, a big promotion, a little victory…It’s one of life’s great joys to see so...

Card Ideas "Thinking of you" messages: What to write in a "thinking of you" card

There comes that awkward point when it’s been a while since you’ve talked to someone you care about, and you want to ...

Baby New baby wishes: what to write in a baby card

In life, it just doesn’t get much happier than the arrival of a new baby. One moment, there is simply the dream of th...

Sympathy Sympathy messages: What to write in a sympathy card

Signing a sympathy card isn’t easy. We search for words. We wonder what would be comforting to hear. We worry about s...

Encouragement What to write in a good luck card

We’ve got tips and message starters on what to write in a good luck card to get your thoughts flowing and your pen mo...

Card Ideas What to write in a Passover card: Pesach messages for friends and family

Great ideas on what to write in a Passover card, no matter who is celebrating.

Thanksgiving Thanksgiving messages: What to write to share a little gratitude

A grateful heart is a full heart, especially at Thanksgiving. With a spirit of thankfulness in the air, there’s no be...

Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s holiday card and more

My 3-year-old was having a hard time at preschool drop-off. Dragging his feet. Asking to stay home. This went on a fe...

Card Ideas Sending Cards and Letters: Our Best Advice and Ideas

Maybe you’ve made it a goal to develop a letter writing habit. Maybe you have someone you feel the need to reach out ...

Friends Friendship messages: What to write in a friendship card

Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ...

Graduation What to write in a graduation card

Hats off to graduates! Whether they’re earning a diploma, a program certificate, a degree or even a cool new professi...

Valentine's Day 100+ kids valentine messages: From kid-to-kid, for teacher and more

Refrigerator doors everywhere will soon be covered with valentines from kids. The right message added inside can make...

Christmas Christmas wishes: What to write in a Christmas card

Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.

Added to your cart

We're sorry.

There was an error adding this product to your cart. Please close this window and try again.

51 of the Best Retirement Wishes and Messages

By Priya Jain

Published: December 25, 2023

Workplace Culture & Morale

Writer & Career Coach

Retirement is a significant life milestone, signaling one chapter’s conclusion and another’s commencement. Transitioning from the demands of the workplace to leisurely pursuits like playing golf, traveling, or spending quality time with grandchildren is an eagerly anticipated prospect for many nearing the end of their professional journeys. 

If someone you know is retiring, sending a happy retirement card is an excellent way to say congrats on a great career and wish them good times ahead. 

In this article, we share 51 great retirement wishes to help you convey your warmest sentiments and celebrate the well-deserved transition to a new chapter in the retiree’s life.

How to Craft the Perfect Retirement Message for a Coworker

Crafting the perfect retirement message for a coworker involves a pinch of appreciation and a touch of personal connection.

Here are some tips to help you create a thoughtful retirement message:

Personalize

Personalization involves tailoring your expressions, memories, and wishes based on your unique relationships and experiences with your coworkers. Mention specific memories or inside jokes that are exclusive to your connection. 

This reflection showcases the depth of your relationship and reinforces the positive bonds forged while working together.

Honor Achievements

Recognizing and honoring your coworker’s achievements and contributions in a retirement message is essential. By citing projects, milestones, promotions, or awards, you acknowledge their hard work and dedication and celebrate their tangible impact on the team and organization. 

Express Gratitude

Expressing gratitude in a retirement message is a heartfelt way to convey appreciation for your coworker’s positive influence and contributions.

Expressing gratitude for specific actions, such as mentorship or collaboration, demonstrates your appreciation and underscores the value of their personal touch in the workplace. 

Include Well-Wishes for the Future

Incorporating well-wishes for the future is a thoughtful way to express optimism and support for your coworker’s next chapter. By extending genuine wishes for joy, fulfillment, and success, you convey a sense of positivity and encouragement. 

Mentioning your coworkers’ specific plans or interests for their retirement shows that you care about their aspirations.

51 Retirement Wishes and Messages

Here are 51 examples of retirement messages and wishes tailored to different relationships and preferences:

Short Retirement Wishes

Short and simple retirement wishes are great for coworkers you do not know particularly well.

Here are some concise retirement messages for your coworkers:

• “Happy retirement! Enjoy the journey ahead.”
• “Wishing you endless joy in retirement!”
• “Cheers to a well-deserved retirement!”

Formal Retirement Wishes

Here are thoughtfully crafted formal retirement messages:

• “On behalf of the entire team, I sincerely congratulate you on your retirement. Your contributions have been invaluable, and your legacy will endure in the history of our organization.”
• “As you gracefully enter retirement, please accept our formal best wishes for a future filled with tranquility and good health.”
• “Your leadership has been an inspiration. Wishing you a retirement as successful as your career.”
• “In recognition of your outstanding service, we extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyous retirement.”

Casual Retirement Wishes

These casual retirement wishes are just what you need to convey joy and excitement to your coworker:

• “Time to kick back and enjoy! Happy retirement!”
• “No more meetings or deadlines—just pure relaxation! Congrats on your retirement!”
• “Cheers to the end of work and the beginning of fun! Happy retirement!”
• “Now that you’re retired, every day is a weekend! Enjoy!”
• “Wishing you a retirement filled with the good stuff – laughter, sunshine, and relaxation!”

Heartfelt Retirement Wishes

Heartfelt retirement wishes are perfect for coworkers you have a close relationship with. These wishes are filled with genuine emotion and show how much of a meaningful impact they’ve had on your professional journey.

• “John, your warmth and wisdom will be deeply missed. Wishing you a retirement filled with the love and joy you’ve given us over the years.”
• “As you step into this new chapter, know that your impact on our lives and workplace has been immeasurable. Happy retirement!”
• “Your kindness and dedication have made a lasting impression. May your retirement be as beautiful as the moments you’ve shared with us.”
• “Wishing you a retirement filled with the same happiness you’ve brought to our team.”

Inspirational Retirement Wishes

Here are inspirational retirement messages for your coworkers as they embark on this exciting new journey:

• “May your retirement be the canvas you paint the life you’ve always dreamed of. Embrace the possibilities!”
• “When retiring, you’re not ending a chapter; you’re beginning a new book. May each page be filled with adventure, joy, and fulfillment!”
• “Your retirement is a blank canvas – paint it with the colors of joy, peace, and endless possibilities!”
• “As you close one chapter, may the next be a masterpiece of happiness and contentment!”

Funny Retirement Wishes

Laughter is the best medicine, even in retirement!

Here are retirement messages for your coworker because a good chuckle is the perfect send-off:

• “No more Monday blues for you! Enjoy the endless weekends in retirement!”
• “Retirement: where every day is a Saturday. Congrats!”
• “Warning: Retirement may lead to excessive smiling and a sudden aversion to alarm clocks!”
• “Get ready for the best part of your day: all of it! Happy retirement!”

Biblical Retirement Wishes

Here are biblical retirement messages filled with blessings and well-wishes:

• “As you enter the Sabbath of your career, may God’s grace shine upon your retirement. May this chapter be filled with peace and contentment.”
• “In your retirement, may you find rest for your soul, joy in each moment, and blessings beyond measure.”
• “May the next phase of your life be a journey guided by faith, love, and the abundant blessings of the Almighty.”
• “In this new season, may God’s grace light your path and bring you joy beyond measure.”

Retirement Wishes for your Boss

When expressing gratitude and respect for your departing boss,  consider these retirement messages:

• “To our incredible leader, as you retire, know that your guidance has shaped us all. Wishing you a future as bright as the path you’ve paved for us.”
• “In retirement, may you find the same success and fulfillment you’ve bestowed upon our team. Thank you for your leadership!”
• “Your leadership has been a beacon for us all. May your retirement be filled with the same brilliance and success you’ve shared with us.”
• “As you retire, our gratitude knows no bounds. Wishing you a future filled with the achievements you so richly deserve.”

Retirement Wishes for a Close Friend

When extending retirement wishes to a close friend, it’s an opportunity to celebrate their remarkable career and the special bond you’ve formed together.

Here are some retirement messages you can consider: 

• “To my dear friend, as you close the chapter on your career, may the next one be filled with laughter, adventure, and all the happiness you deserve.”
• “Happy retirement, my friend! Here’s to the countless memories we’ve made and the many more we’ll create in this new phase of life!”
• “Wishing you a retirement as amazing as our friendship! May every day be filled with joy and exciting new adventures.”
• “Cheers to a friendship that has weathered both deadlines and celebrations. May your retirement be as wonderful as you’ve made our journey together!”

Profession-Specific Retirement Wishes

Tailoring retirement messages to specific professions adds a personal touch, recognizing each career’s unique contributions and experiences. Here are some profession-specific wishes:

Retirement Wishes for a Nurse

Retirement wishes for nurses offer a heartfelt acknowledgment of their tireless dedication, compassionate care, and positive impact on countless lives.

Here are some retirement messages to consider:

• “As you hang up your stethoscope, may your retirement be a soothing balm for your soul. Your care and compassion have touched the lives of many. May the next chapter be filled with relaxation, good health, and the joy you’ve brought to others. Happy retirement!”
• “To a nurse whose kindness has been a healing force, may your retirement be a respite well earned. Your dedication to the well-being of others has left an enduring mark. May your days ahead be as comforting as the care you’ve provided throughout your nursing career. Best wishes for a fulfilling retirement!”
• “In healthcare, you’ve been a guardian of comfort and compassion. As you retire, may your days be filled with the same warmth you’ve shared with patients and coworkers. Your nurturing spirit will be dearly missed. Enjoy the relaxation and new adventures that await. Happy retirement!”

Retirement Wishes for a Doctor

Retirement wishes for doctors extend a sincere acknowledgment of their unwavering dedication, compassionate medical care, and positive impact on countless lives.

Some retirement messages for a doctor are: 

• “As you transition into retirement, may your days be filled with the same kindness and care you’ve extended to your patients. Wishing you a retirement that brings you the joy and fulfillment you’ve provided to others throughout your career. Congratulations!”
• “As you close the chapter on your illustrious medical career, know that your contributions to healthcare have left an indelible mark. May your retirement be a time of reflection, relaxation, and pursuing new passions. Thank you for your tireless commitment to healing, and best wishes for a retirement filled with happiness and well-deserved peace.”
• “A heartfelt salute to a dedicated and compassionate doctor! Your years of service to medicine have been nothing short of remarkable. Your healing touch will be remembered fondly. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of life!”
• “To a remarkable doctor, your skill, empathy, and commitment to healing have made a difference in the lives of many. As you embark on this new journey, may each day bring you the peace and relaxation you’ve earned. Congratulations on a stellar career, and best wishes for a retirement filled with joy and contentment!”

Retirement Wishes for a Teacher

Expressing heartfelt retirement wishes for teachers who have dedicated their lives to education is a wonderful gesture.

Here are some example retirement messages for a teacher :

• “To a teacher whose impact extends far beyond the classroom, congratulations on your well-earned retirement! May this new chapter bring you the freedom to explore, the time to reflect, and the joy of knowing you’ve shaped the future through your teaching. Wishing you a retirement as bright as the futures you’ve influenced.”
• “Cheers to a teacher who has made a difference in the lives of so many. Your commitment to education has been truly inspiring. May your retirement be a renewal time filled with the things you love most. Wishing you a future as bright and fulfilling as the impact you’ve had on your students. Happy retirement!”
• “In the grand story of education, your chapter has been one of dedication, inspiration, and unwavering commitment. As you retire, may the next chapter be filled with the same enthusiasm for life and learning. Congratulations on a stellar teaching career, and best wishes for a retirement filled with happiness and fulfillment!”
• “Congratulations on your retirement! Your passion for education has left an indelible mark on countless lives. May this new chapter bring you the joy of endless learning and the fulfillment that comes from a lifetime of shaping young minds. Wishing you a retirement as inspiring as your teaching career!”

Retirement Wishes for a Police Officer

Retirement wishes for police officers convey a heartfelt recognition of their steadfast commitment and compassionate service.

Here are some retirement messages for a police officer :

• “Congratulations on reaching the well-deserved finish line of your law enforcement career! May your retirement be filled with relaxation, joy, and the knowledge that you’ve impacted your community.”
• “To a true hero in every sense, your dedication to protecting and serving has left an indelible mark. As you retire, may each day bring new adventures, and may the memories of your service be a source of pride and fulfillment. Happy retirement and best wishes for the next exciting chapter!”
• “In the line of duty, you’ve faced challenges with bravery and resilience. As you retire, may you find the same courage to explore new horizons and embrace the freedom that comes with it. Your service has made a lasting impact, and your well-earned retirement is richly deserved. Best wishes for the future!”
• “As you hang up your uniform, may your retirement be a time of peace and contentment. Your dedication to keeping our streets safe has been commendable, and now it’s time to enjoy the serenity of a well-deserved break. Best wishes on your retirement, and thank you for your years of selfless service.”

Future Trends in Retirement Wishes

Retirement wishes are expected to evolve with advancements in technology and changing communication preferences. Here are some potential trends:

Virtual Retirement Wishes

As virtual communication platforms advance, sending retirement messages through virtual means may become more common. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies could be employed to create immersive and memorable retirement experiences. 

This can include virtual retirement parties, where colleagues and friends worldwide join in to celebrate.

Personalized AI-Generated Messages

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a significant role in generating personalized retirement messages. AI algorithms analyze retirees’ career achievements, personality traits, and relationships to create heartfelt and customized messages. 

This makes the retirement messages more meaningful and tailored to the individual, reflecting their unique contributions.

Interactive and Multimedia Messages

Retirement wishes may become more interactive and multimedia-rich. Instead of traditional greeting cards or text messages, well-wishers might send interactive e-cards, videos, or multimedia presentations that capture the retiree’s journey and accomplishments. 

About the Author

Read more articles by Priya Jain

About To Retire And Need To Give A Speech? 5 Retirement Speech Ideas With Examples

After a lifetime of hard work and dedication, retirement is a big milestone in life. 

It’s a time to reflect on all the amazing moments experienced over the years and celebrate the future ahead. 

As such, it often requires giving a retirement speech to acknowledge the occasion and those with whom you’ve worked for many years.

Knowing what to say when passing the baton and sharing final words of wisdom is challenging.

Should you be funny or serious?

Go into detail or keep it brief?

Look no further if you’re stuck and need some ideas or inspiration. 

We’ve put together a few examples of retirement speeches from the retiree’s perspective (and from an employee’s, as well) to help ignite your creativity.

How to Outline Your Retirement Speech

Tips for writing your retirement speech, 1. farewell type of retirement speech, 2. short retirement speech, 3. funny retirement speech, 4. heartfelt/serious retirement speech, 5. retirement speech for an employee, final thoughts.

Like any other written work, your retirement speech should have a narrative that walks through the main points clearly and concisely.

To ensure your address resonates with your audience, you should outline it properly before delivering it.

When creating an outline for your retirement speech, make sure to consider the following steps:

• Start with a strong opening statement: Begin your speech by introducing yourself and setting the tone for what’s to come. Starting with humor can break the ice.
• Mention and thank everyone present: Take time to thank those who have been a part of your professional journey, such as managers, colleagues, family members, and mentors.
• Share memorable moments: Reflect on your career highlights and share your favorite memories with the audience.
• End with inspiring words: Leave your audience with a few words of wisdom encapsulating everything you’ve said.
• Edit and practice: Once you’ve completed your outline, edit it as many times as needed to make sure there are no errors or unnecessary information.
• Rehearse it out loud: Also, practice delivering your speech aloud, so you know exactly how it will sound when the time comes.

By crafting an effective outline and following these steps, you can ensure that your retirement speech is well-received by everyone in attendance. It may take a few drafts to get it right, but the effort will be worth it.

As you bid farewell to your work life and embark on a new chapter in life, a well-written speech will serve as an inspiring reminder of all that has been accomplished.

• Decide on the tone of speech: Will it be a formal address or light-hearted? Will it start out with one tone and end with another? These decisions can help guide the story you tell.
• Set the context: Choose a theme or story to open your speech so your audience can relate and follow along.
• Establish a timeline: How long have you worked at the organization? What are some of your most memorable moments? Who did you work with in different eras? Answering these questions can help you craft an engaging narrative.
• Offer gratitude: You didn’t make it to retirement on your own, and it’s essential to recognize the people who played a role in your journey. Be sure to thank them accordingly.
• Keep it short: Keep your speech under ten minutes if possible, as this will keep your audience attentive and engaged. If any sentences don’t add value to the story, remove them. It should be easy to read out loud and follow along.
• Identify key takeaways: What is one thing that everyone should leave with? What lessons have you learned in your time there that can help shape the future of the organization?
• Close on an uplifting note: Your retirement speech should close with something inspiring and sincere – perhaps a quote or a personal expression of thanks. Sometimes humor is a great way to end on a high note and return to a more casual tone.

Use these pointers as a checklist that you can refer to when putting together your retirement speech.

With careful consideration, you’ll be able to deliver a heartfelt address that celebrates all the successes and memories of your time at the organization.

5 Retirement Speech Ideas with Examples

If you need help getting started with your goodbyes, here are some examples of retirement speeches by the retiree (and an employee speech) to help you craft the perfect address:

This type of speech is the most common and is often sentimental. It’s about saying goodbye while thanking everyone who helped you along the way.

It should help the audience understand what this change means for you while keeping them curious about where your next chapter will take you.

Example Farewell Retirement Speech:

It’s difficult to put into words just how much this moment means to me. After XX years of dedicated service, I’m finally ready to take on my next journey.

When I first started my career, I never imagined all the wonderful memories and relationships that would come with it. Every day has been rewarding in its own way, but today is an especially bittersweet occasion as I bid farewell to all my colleagues and look ahead to the future.

I think about all the fantastic people I’ve met who have helped me along the way – from supervisors who encouraged me through challenging times to mentors who gave wise advice when the going got tough. These relationships made coming to work each day a pleasure rather than a chore.

The biggest blessing must be my meaningful collaborations with some of my favorite coworkers over the years. We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and building projects together, often coming up with solutions for problems we thought would never be solved. The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment was always worth it in the end!

Although I won’t be in this office anymore, there are still plenty of contributions yet to come from me and those like me who will carry this legacy forward into our respective futures. With every challenge you face, there will always be someone new at your side willing to help you move mountains if you need it.

So allow me to leave you with a few pieces of advice: Believe in yourself but never be afraid of asking questions and learning more; cherish every relationship you come across; and remember that hard work pays off even when you don’t see it right away! With that said, I will miss all of you and wish you and (name of company) continued success. 

Many retirement speeches happen in spaces where we need to be brief, such as a Zoom meeting or other virtual space.

A short retirement speech will allow you to be concise and still convey your message. It can also make for an excellent written piece for a retirement card or email greeting.

Example Short Retirement Speech:

Today, I have many mixed emotions. I bid farewell to this great organization that’s played such a meaningful role in my life. And I’m saying goodbye to the most supportive and incredible colleagues.

I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve enjoyed here to make a difference by working diligently on staff development initiatives, fundraising efforts, and day-to-day operations. Our amazing team accomplished so much in the years I’ve been here, and I’m proud to have played a part in our success.

My gratitude extends beyond words as I am leaving behind something that’s defined me for over XX years. But I also look forward to embracing new challenges and experiences on my new journey ahead.

I will miss all of you tremendously and hope to stay in touch to see how everyone is doing. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship – I will never forget it.

More Related Articles

Understand The Difference Between Resigning And Taking Early Retirement

21 Perfect Songs For A Retirement Event

Understanding the 5 Emotional Stages of Retirement and How to Deal With Them

Being light-hearted at the end of one’s career is a graceful but uplifting way to bid farewell. If you choose to make a funny retirement speech, be sure it is not offensive and still conveys your genuine appreciation for your colleagues.

Funny Retirement Speech Example:

I’m sure you’re as excited as I am to see me take that final walk down the corridor, knowing it’s the last time you’ll have to hear one of my speeches. But please don’t envy my new freedom. I may be saying goodbye to my boss here, but it seems I’m now a full-time employee of my spouse, and I’ve heard he/she runs a tight ship.

Projects around the home that I’ve masterfully avoided with “But I’ve gotta work” excuses are already on a list taped to the fridge. It will feel a lot like the first job I had in high school, fixing up old appliances and cleaning bathrooms, but with even less pay!

Oh wait, maybe I’m not retiring.

On a more genuine note, I will certainly miss all of you and our great work here. But also, it will be exciting to transition into a less demanding lifestyle. I’m excited to travel, catch up with old friends, and find a few part-time projects where I can share my hundred years of experience.

It’s been an amazing journey here at this company, and I am grateful for everyone who helped me grow while putting up with my occasional growing pains. Not unlike a “colorful” family, we’ve had our share of laughs and disagreements, but ultimately we have always come together to get the job done.

Thank you for your camaraderie and support throughout these years.  Cheers!

A heartfelt or serious retirement speech is perfect for those who have put their life and heart into their career.

This type of retirement speech allows for more time as you pour your heart out and express how the people around you have positively impacted your life over the years.

Heartfelt/Serious Retirement Speech Example:

Today I stand here proud, humbled, and emotional – all at once. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have been part of this organization for the last XX years. When I first began here, I started at the bottom, yet I was deeply hopeful that I could use my passion and hard work to make a difference.

Little did I know that while accomplishing the tasks at hand, I was also gaining something much more valuable – friendships with people who have become like family to me. From you, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about life and work; but most importantly, I’ve learned that relationships are what matter in the end. 

They are the life force of who we are as an organization, and without the strong support I’ve received from my colleagues, it would have been impossible for me to stand here today.

But life goes on – and while I’m grateful for the wonderful memories with all of you, I also look forward to new challenges ahead. Retirement offers a whole new set of opportunities to explore, and I am excited to take them all on with the same passion and enthusiasm I had when I started working here.

My next chapter may involve a learning curve, but I am confident that the life skills I’ve learned here will help me in whatever I pursue going forward.

And most importantly, I want to continue providing opportunities to the next generation, so they have the support I was lucky enough to receive. As I enter the legacy phase of my life, I do so humbly and gratefully, taking the invaluable lessons I have learned here and sharing them with others.

Thank you all for everything. It truly has been an incredible journey, and I will miss all of you more than I can express.

If a notable team member is retiring, it’s an excellent opportunity to express gratitude for their contributions and commitment while highlighting hard work and excellence for other employees.

The following sample speech is perfect for any employee who has dedicated years of service to the company.

Retirement Speech for An Employee Example:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we celebrate and recognize someone exceptional who has made an invaluable difference in our organization. As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life.

[Name] has worked at this company for [number] years and has been an integral part of its success. During their time here, they have gone above and beyond in every task and project they were involved with, delivering results consistently and serving as a role model of integrity and professionalism for all of us. Some notable accomplishments during their tenure here include:

• Accomplishment 1
• Accomplishment 2
• Accomplishment 3

We will sorely miss their hard work, loyalty, and enthusiasm. It’s rare to find an employee so dedicated and engaged, and frankly, I don’t know what we will do without them. 

Most of all, I’ll miss their bright and cheerful demeanor, always lifting the spirits of everyone around them with a smile and kind words. Connecting with others in a relatable way is the key to building relationships and fostering a positive work environment, and [name] was a master at that, among other things.

So please join me in wishing [name] the best as they enter this exciting next phase of life. We are all blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside such an incredible person.

Thank you for everything you have done for us!

Like most people, you may find crafting a retirement speech daunting. But if you follow the above guidelines and model after some of the example speeches, you can deliver a thoughtful talk filled with warmth, humor, and gratitude.

So begin your celebration by expressing your heartfelt appreciation to your team and excitement for the next phase of life. You deserve it!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

60 Memorable Retirement Messages for Coworker

Your retirement messages for coworker will be the last words that remind the retiree of you. You have most likely worked with this person for a long time and have shared some great memories together. The best retirement messages for coworker will include a mixture of personal sentiments and memories.

Below are a few good examples of retirement messages for coworker:

If you know the new retiree wants to start a new hobby, you can also use this information to further personalise your retirement messages for cowoker. You can write something like this:

You’ve finally retired! You now have all the time in the world to practise your swing during off peak time. Enjoy your retirement life.

List of 60 Memorable Retirement Messages for Coworker

Funny retirement quotes for coworkers.

Olivier De Winne

60 best retirement messages for boss, retirement messages to help you send the best congratulations, you may also like, 99 best retirement cake sayings by category, honouring dad: 10 special retirement party ideas for..., 50 best retirement wishes for father: a new..., top 50 short and easy retirement quotes for..., beyond the farewell card: 10 original retirement speech..., 7 fun retirement party games for a memorable..., 12 insider retirement party ideas for teachers, the 10 best retirement party ideas for coworker..., 10 diy retirement party ideas that won’t break..., 30 examples of what to write in a....

100 + Happy Retirement Wishes to Celebrate a New Chapter

• Post category: Wishes
• Post last modified: February 16, 2024

Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—a time to bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of the professional world and embrace a well-deserved period of relaxation, exploration, and self-discovery.

As your loved ones embark on this exciting journey, what better way to express your heartfelt sentiments than through a thoughtful and cheerful retirement wish? In this blog post, we’ll explore happy retirement wishes that will undoubtedly bring a smile to the face of the retiree and set the tone for their new adventure.

Please Follow Us -:  Twitter

Table of Contents

Wishing You a Joyous Retirement Journey : 100 + Happy Retirement Wishes to Celebrate a New Chapter

Embarking on the journey of retirement is a momentous occasion that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As someone dear to you takes a step back from the hustle and bustle of a lifelong career, it’s time to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and countless accomplishments. What better way to convey your warmest sentiments than with a heartfelt and cheerful retirement wish?

In this blog post, we’ve curated a collection of over 100 happy retirement wishes that are sure to inspire joy and leave a lasting impression on the retiree. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or colleague, finding the perfect words to express your admiration, gratitude, and best wishes can sometimes be challenging. Fear not, as our diverse compilation of retirement messages spans the spectrum from heartfelt and sentimental to light-hearted and humorous.

Join us as we explore a tapestry of well-wishes, offering you a reservoir of ideas to help you craft the perfect sentiment for the retiree in your life. Whether you’re seeking eloquent expressions of gratitude, inspiring words for the retiree’s next adventure, or simply a touch of humor to lighten the mood, our collection has something for everyone.

Let these happy retirement wishes serve as a beacon of positivity and encouragement, embracing the retiree as they step into this new and exciting chapter of their life. Whether they’re planning serene days of leisure or embarking on new endeavors, your thoughtful words will undoubtedly resonate and become cherished memories for years to come.

So, let the celebration begin, and may these happy retirement wishes spark joy, laughter, and heartfelt connections as you honor and applaud the retiree’s remarkable journey!

Heartfelt Happy Retirement Wishes

“May your retirement be filled with endless joy, laughter, and all the relaxation you deserve!”

“Cheers to the end of deadlines and the beginning of unlimited ‘me time’! Happy retirement!”

“Wishing you a retirement as fantastic as the memories you’ve created throughout your career. Enjoy every moment!”

“May your retirement be as bright and fulfilling as your professional journey has been. Here’s to the next exciting chapter!”

“Congratulations on reaching the summit of your career! May your retirement be just as rewarding and full of new peaks to conquer.”

“As you step into retirement, may your days be filled with the things that bring you happiness and fulfillment. You’ve earned it!”

“May the next chapter of your life be as amazing as the legacy you leave behind. Happy retirement!”

“Wishing you a retirement that’s as sweet as success, as joyful as laughter, and as fulfilling as your years of hard work.”

“May each day of your retirement be a new adventure, filled with opportunities to explore and enjoy life to the fullest.”

“Here’s to the beginning of a new era in your life—may your retirement be everything you’ve dreamed of and more!”

“May your retirement be a masterpiece, painted with the vibrant colors of relaxation, happiness, and fulfillment.”

“Cheers to a well-deserved retirement! May your days be filled with the warmth of family, the company of good friends, and the pursuit of lifelong passions.”

“Wishing you a retirement that’s so amazing, it puts all your past accomplishments to shame. You’ve earned it, and then some!”

“May your retirement be a symphony of joy, with each day bringing new melodies of happiness and contentment.”

“As you close the door on your professional journey, may the windows of opportunity in your retirement swing wide open. Embrace the possibilities!”

“Here’s to trading in business suits for leisure suits! May your retirement be the most stylish and comfortable chapter of your life.”

“May your retirement be the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. You’ve earned the right to enjoy it all!”

“Congratulations on your retirement! May each day be a page-turner in the incredible story of your post-professional life.”

“Wishing you a retirement filled with the simple joys of life—peaceful moments, cherished memories, and the freedom to do whatever makes your heart happy.”

“May your retirement be the pot of gold at the end of your professional rainbow—a treasure trove of happiness and fulfillment.”

“As you sail into the sunset of retirement, may your journey be smooth, your seas be calm, and your days be filled with sunshine.”

“Cheers to the beginning of your ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ retirement! May each choice lead to new and exciting experiences.”

“May your retirement be filled with the simple joys of life—peaceful moments, cherished memories, and the freedom to do whatever makes your heart happy.”

“Here’s to the beginning of your ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ retirement! May each choice lead to new and exciting experiences.”

Final Thoughts :

Retirement is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to convey your best wishes than with a heartfelt message?

Whether you’re sending these wishes in a card, a speech, or a simple message, may these 100+ happy retirement wishes bring joy, inspiration, and a touch of humor to the retiree’s new chapter.

As they embark on this exciting journey, may each day be filled with the warmth of family, the joy of pursuing passions, and the well-deserved relaxation they’ve earned. Happy retirement!

Read More -:

• Tips for a Successful Job Interview
• Tips For Personality Development For Students
• Top 10 Morning Habits
• Habits of Highly Effective People
• Ways to Increase Self-Confidence
• Happy Birthday Wishes For Friends

44 Best Retirement Wishes and Messages For The Perfect Farewell in 2024

The time has finally come to say goodbye.

You’ve been working hard for many years and you’re ready to retire.

It’s a big decision, but now is the perfect moment for reflection and relaxation as well as spending more quality time with your loved ones.

As you embark on your retirement journey, there is no doubt that you will be riddled with mixed emotions. You’ll feel excited for the new opportunities and challenges that await you in this next chapter of life, but at the same time, it can be hard to say goodbye to a life’s worth of memories and relationships.

“Retirement may be an ending, a closing, but it is also a new beginning.” –  Catherine Pulsifer

Anyone entering into retirement needs to have a plan in place for the next chapter of their life. One way to do that is by making sure that you have all of your affairs in order beforehand so there are no surprises when the time comes.

While retirement may mean the end of one’s current career, it does not have to be the end of their social life. There are many ways to stay connected with friends and family during this transition in life.

We have compiled a list of great retirement wishes and messages to send to your employees, managers, family, or friends as they move on to their next adventure!

Let’s check out the best retirement wishes and messages to send to your newly retired colleague.

Page Contents (Click To Jump)

Retirement Wishes & Messages For A Boss

1. “thank you for always supporting our team with your constant positivity and encouragement. we will miss you”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: Make sure the retiree enjoys some delicious treats and healthy yummy snacks with a curated gift box .

2. “To a boss who has made a strong and lasting impact on me, may your retirement be everything you’ve hoped for.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Make your manager feel special and appreciated with this  Personalized Thank You Gift .

3. “You were a good boss because more than instructions, you gave us direction and inspiration. Happy retirement.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Compact Swivel Cheese  Board will take your boss’ next cheese and wine night to the next level.

4. “The office won’t be the same without you, boss. You were our favorite person to annoy.”

• This retirement message pairs well with:  The Thank You Gift Box  is an excellent  care package  that ensures the retired employer receives a deluxe and fine retirement gift to say “Thank you” for his amazing leadership.

Emotional Retirement Messages & Wishes

1. “as you embark on this new journey of retirement, may you discover countless moments of joy and relaxation. your years of dedication have served as a beacon of inspiration to us all.”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: A Snack Goodie Bag . A variety of goodie bags with a mini stash of snacks. You can bid your coworker or employee farewell with delicious assortments of treats, ranging from breakfast to summer-themed delights.

2. “As you retire, remember that you leave behind a legacy of achievement, a team of loyal colleagues, and countless lives touched by your kindness. May your years of retirement be as rewarding and fulfilling as your time with us.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: The Team Building Pack , the ultimate keepsake collection to remember your team fondly. With a foam finger, crew socks, a custom branded tee, an essentials kit, and much more, they’ll be ready to throw themselves a parade even after the team celebrates their retirement!

3. “Wishing you a retirement filled with serene sunsets, leisurely mornings, and the joy of savoring life at your own pace. You’ve earned every moment of your newfound freedom. Cheers to turning the rest of your years into a game you play just the way you like!

• This retirement message pairs well with: A Virtual Murder Mystery Party to satisfy the inner-sleuth of your favorite retiree!

4. “Retirement is about embracing the time to pursue your hidden passions and dreams. May your retirement be the key that unlocks the door to new opportunities and adventures.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: A Pickleball Paddle . These stylish pickleball paddles are the perfect retirement gift for your former coworker to go out swinging! With eye-catching patterns and colors, they’re sure to feel like the most fashionable player on the court.

Retirement Wishes & Messages For A Coworker

1. “having you as a coworker has been nothing but a delight. i wish you a fantastic retirement life we’ll miss you”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: A Lunch Party will be a great idea to celebrate the new chapter ahead. Send out digital lunch cards to the team so everyone can order in a delicious lunch for their last day.

2. “Thank you for always creating a motivating atmosphere all around the office. I will always miss your presence here. Have a great life ahead! I hope you get to experience all the adventures you wanted to after retirement and hope you enjoy every bit of your life.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Lavender Eye Pillow  is the perfect  gift idea that promotes self-care and relaxation. With more free time now, your retired coworker will truly enjoy this thoughtful gift.

3. “To one of the best people in the office, congratulations on your retirement!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Whether your colleague wants to be a full-time grill master or just enjoy barbecue Sundays with best friends the  Smoke and Spice Griller Gift Box  is a must.

4. “Whatever comes next for you, may it bring you the same joy and fulfillment as you brought us!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: A personalized gift. In today’s rapidly changing world of work, knowing how your employees like to be recognized can go a long way to creating a strong company culture. SnackNation recommends sending out a care preferences questionnaire or survey to learn more about what types of rewards your colleagues like (and the ones they don’t!)

Retirement Wishes & Messages For An Employee

1. “the office won’t be the same without you you’ll be missed every day. “.

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Unplugged Box  will allow the retired employee to unwind, recharge and stay in good health.

2. “You will always be remembered for your hard work throughout the years. Thank you for your dedication to the team. Enjoy your retirement!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Retirements card messages and  wishes  are best paired with the  Many Thanks  box to show your gratitude and  appreciation .

3. “If you put in as much effort enjoying your retirement as you have while working with this company, it is sure to be a success!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Thank your employee for his hard work and years of service with the  Gift of Gratitude .

4. “Enjoy the fruits of your hard labor. Here’s to wishing you a relaxing and wonderful retirement.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: With their newfound freedom and endless “day off”s, the  Tumbling Tower Game  is the perfect new entertainment.

Retirement Wishes & Messages For A Friend

1. “cherish every moment of this time and revel in this new stage of your life. happy retirement”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Mindfulness Box  is a great “good luck” gift that features delicious and nutritious treats for a healthy retirement, a journal to jot down their thoughts, an enamel mug, and much more for their new journey.

2. “After climbing the mountain, you finally can enjoy the view. Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy the amazing view!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: “Retirement means more adventure, more coffee breaks, and definitely not the end of the road. The Anywhere Travel Guide  is the ultimate travel and discovery game for anyone with a travel bug.

3. “I’m glad that you are finally retiring. Now should we start planning all the trips that we didn’t get to go? Oh my, good days here we come!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Warm nights in with grandkids will never be complete without the  Cozy & Calm  pack. This winter pack which features a fleece blanket, bamboo soy candle, hot chocolate canister, and a ceramic mug will make “doing nothing” nights worthwhile.

4. “Congratulations on your new freedom. Now we will get to see you more. Enjoy every moment of your new life.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Well-wishes should be accompanied by  Simple Loose Tea Leaf subscription box which is all bout exploring unique, seasonal, and different kinds of tea that de-stress and promote good health.

Funny Retirement Wishes & Messages

1. “congrats, you’re now your own boss”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: Have retirees sip wine in style with the  Funny Wine Glass .

2. “Welcome to the next stage of your life, where every day is the weekend!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Raise a toast, and say Cheers to the retiree’s new life while learning more about beer with a Beer Tasting  experience.

3. “Never again will you have to face dreaded Mondays! Enjoy, mate!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Make sure that your retired friend or colleague is always hydrated and healthy with Asobu Flavour U See .

4. “Bye Bye Tension, Hello Pension. Happy Retirement!”

• This retirement message pairs well with:  Officially Retired  is the perfect pair of socks for any soon-to-be retiree.

Happy Retirement Wishes & Messages

1. “you’re free as a bird you’ve earned your wings enjoy your retirement.”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  North Face Skyline Fleece Jacket is durable, trendy, comes in different colors, and is a great retirement gift idea.

2. “Happy Retirement! It’s time to kick back and enjoy. You’ve earned it!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: If your retired employer, employee or coworker  is a wine lover, they will love the  California Wine Mixer  and will thank you while enjoying every sip.

3. “Put on your dancing shoes now that you’ve made your mark and paid your dues! It’s time to party for retirement!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: the Cooking Bundle  is a piece of culinary heaven in a box. It features different, international recipes that are a dream come true for any retired person who loves creating new and delicious meals.

4. “You’re retiring! I may be jealous, but mostly just happy for you. Congrats!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: The Grill Master  is an excellent retirement gift for any grill lover retiree!

Hey! Are you looking for a way to wish your newly retired colleague “good luck” as they move on to their next adventure? Check out CareCards — a great way to recognize your employee’s special moment with a colorful compilation of heartfelt messages from their fellow colleagues. Caroo’s specially designed CareCards program is a fun tool for distributed teams to celebrate a retirement in style! You can also order your retiring coworker a personalized gift from the team right off the Caroo gifting platform. Try CareCards for FREE

Emotional Retirement Wishes & Messages

1. “i’m sorry to see you go, but i’m glad you have so much fun ahead of you. keep in touch and enjoy your retirement”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Retirement Count Down Calendar  is all about motivation and anticipation while waiting on that highly well-deserved freedom!

2. “You will be best remembered as a great motivator, the one who brings out the best in others. Happy wishes as you retire.”

• This retirement message pairs well with:   The Nightsky is a  thoughtful personalized employee gift  that makes any retiree feel appreciated and valued. A favorite quote, the retiree’s name, and date of retirement can be added to this beautifully customized gift.

3. “Wishing a very special colleague nothing but a happy and peaceful retirement. May your wishes and dreams come true.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Custom Message Shortbread Cookies  are delicious and mouthwatering retirement treats that anyone would love!

4. “After years of hard work, you have finally attained this milestone. May your faithful service all these years bring to your life every blessing you stand in need of. Have the happiest of retirements.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: If you want to send your retired friend or family member a funny retirement gift, look no further than the  How Retirees Tell Time  affordable gift.

Creative Retirement Wishes & Messages

1. “retirement – the only real excuse you’ll ever have to spend your entire life’s savings. have fun”.

• This retirement message pairs well with : With more free time now, the retired would appreciate the 1,000 Piece Puzzle  that will offer hours of entertainment and staying busy.

2. “Kudos, Felicitations, Congratulations! However you say it, I’m proud of you and happy for you for reaching this amazing milestone.”

• This retirement message pairs well with:   Cheers to You   gift box  is ideal to celebrate the new milestone with loved ones.

3. “There are all sorts of things that you will have to learn how to do off the clock now, like making coffee.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: A  going away party  is never a party with the  Mixology Class from the comfort of your home. By the end of this experience, your retired colleague will most probably develop a new passion and skill.

4. “You can be taken out of the workforce, but the workforce can never be taken out of you. I am confident you’ll never stop working on things you love to do.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Say bye to the same quick and simple lunches! The  Spanish Food Subscription Box will make anybody’s taste buds fire up and dance!

Short Retirement Wishes & Messages

1. “well done you’ve worked so hard and deserve a little r & r in retirement.”.

• This retirement message pairs well with:   Foods For Health  is a thoughtful gift that encourages clean eating and Is about staying healthy and happy.

2. “Sending happy retirement wishes your way! “

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Funny Retirement Beach Clock  will remind every retiree that there’s no rush or deadlines anymore, and now is the time to chill out and take it easy.

3. “Best wishes for a carefree and relaxing retirement.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: This delicious  Snack Box  includes scrumptious nutritious snacks that can be enjoyed alone or with friends.

4. “May you have a long, happy, and fulfilling retirement.”

• This retirement message pairs well with: A spa & wellness gift card that provides the ultimate experiential gift any retiree needs to feel pampered and spoiled after years of hard work and dedication.

Thank You Retirement Wishes & Messages

1. “thanks for being a spirited professional, a helpful coworker, and a great friend. now go and relax”.

• This retirement message pairs well with: Make sure your retired coworker or employee stays up to date with the latest tech gadgets. The  Tech Lovers  box includes useful accessories and tools that any retiree will need.

2. “It’s impossible to overstate how valuable you’ve been for our team – we wish you the very best in your retirement and thank you for all that you’ve done!”

• This retirement message pairs well with:   Retirement Planning Guide  is perfect to plan the next stage of the retired person’s life. Retirement is a beginning- so what’s better than this guide to plan for life after work?

3. “Having you as a coworker has been no less than a gift. Your influence around the office will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Thank you!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: Massage is therapy, and who deserves it more than a hard-working employee who is about to retire? The  Personal Massage  ensures that the retiree gets the royal treatment and the break that they deserve.

4. “Thank you for always being a dedicated worker, a compassionate friend, and a source of encouragement. Your positive attitude will truly be missed!”

• This retirement message pairs well with: The  Moroccan Meditation Retreat  promotes emotional health, reduces anxiety, and offers numerous benefits that positively impact any individual’s physical and psychological health.

People Also Ask These Questions About Retirement Wishes & Messages

Q: what is a good retirement message.

• A: A good retirement message celebrates the individual, honors their contributions, and puts them in the context of a collective effort. The best messages are those that take into account what someone has accomplished while at work , and have them reflect on what they have learned along the way or from mistakes made.

Q: What are the benefits of sending someone a retirement message?

• A: Retirement messages are an excellent way to show that you care about them and want the best for their future. This can help create a sense of emotional validation when they’re leaving, which will make it an easier transition into retirement life.

Q: How do I respond to retirement wishes and messages?

• A: A good way to respond to retirement wishes is to thank the person sincerely. Thank them for their kind thoughts, and let them know that they are sincerely appreciated.

Q: What is a good retirement gift to pair with a retirement wish?

• A: A good retirement gift will depend on the person’s interests. But it might be more important to make sure this gift comes from the heart and includes a personal touch.

Q: What should I include in a happy retirement message?

• A: There are a few things you can add to your “Happy Retirement” message including a thank you for their contribution to your team and business, a personalized joke or insight to add a little personality to your message, and a good luck wish for them to enjoy their retirement with their friends and family.

About SnackNation

SnackNation is a healthy office snack delivery service that makes healthy snacking fun, life more productive, and workplaces awesome. We provide a monthly, curated selection of healthy snacks from the hottest, most innovative natural food brands in the industry, giving our members a hassle-free experience and delivering joy to their offices.

Popular Posts

Want to become a better professional in just 5 minutes?

You May Also Like

9 Hispanic Heritage Month Ideas for Work [Updated for Sept. 2024]

🏅 55 Best Client & Customer Appreciation Gifts To Build Authentic Connections That Show You Care In 2024

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

SnackNation About Careers Blog Tech Blog Contact Us Privacy Policy Online Accessibility Statement

Pricing How It Works Member Reviews Take the Quiz Guides and Resources FAQ Terms and Conditions Website Accessibility Policy

Exciting Employee Engagement Ideas Employee Wellness Program Ideas Thoughtful Employee Appreciation Ideas Best ATS Software Fun Office Games & Activities for Employees Best Employee Engagement Software Platforms For High Performing Teams [HR Approved] Insanely Fun Team Building Activities for Work

Fun Virtual Team Building Activities The Best Employee Recognition Software Platforms Seriously Awesome Gifts For Coworkers Company Swag Ideas Employees Really Want Unique Gifts For Employees Corporate Gift Ideas Your Clients and Customers Will Love

© 2024 SnackNation. Handcrafted in Los Angeles

• Recipient Choice Gifts
• Free Work Personality Assessment
• Happy Hour & Lunches
• Group eCards
• Office Snacks
• Employee Recognition Software
• Join Our Newsletter
• SnackNation Blog
• Employee Template Directory
• Gifts For Remote Employees
• ATS Software Guide
• Best Swag Vendors
• Top HR Tools
• Ways To Reward Employees
• Employee Appreciation Gift Guide
• More Networks

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Culture and Lifestyle
• Quotes and Sayings

75 Retirement Quotes That Will Resonate With Any Retiree

The word " retirement " strikes a chord with all human beings, but it means many things to many different people. If you're looking for a retirement quote to match a particular situation, we've got you covered. We've found several retirement quotes and sayings that will fit every personality and season of life. Browse these retirement quotes to celebrate any retiree.

Inspirational Retirement Quotes

Southern Living

• "Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." —Fred Rogers
• "Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway." —Unknown
• "There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it 'retirement.' I call it bliss." —Betty Sullivan
• "For many, retirement is a time for personal growth, which becomes the path to greater freedom." —Robert Delamontague
• "Retirement is the only time in your life when time no longer equals money." —Unknown
• "Retire from your job, but never retire your mind." —Unknown
• “And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” —Abraham Lincoln
• “You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.” —C.S. Lewis
• “The key to retirement is to find joy in the little things.” —Susan Miller
• “Retire from work, but not from life.” —M.K. Soni
• “Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to.” —Harry Emerson Fosdick
• “Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials—much to live on and much to live for.” —Unknown
• "I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself." —Walt Mossberg
• "Living each day as if it were your last doesn't mean your last day of retirement on a remote island. It means to live fully, authentically and spontaneously with nothing being held back." —Jack Canfield

Funny Retirement Quotes

• "Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it." —Gene Perret
• "The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does." —Unknown
• "A retired husband is often a wife's full-time job." —Ella Harris
• "When a man retires and time is no longer a matter of urgent importance, his colleagues generally present him with a watch." —R.C. Sheriff
• "Retirement is not in my vocabulary. They aren't going to get rid of me that way." —Betty White
• "He who laughs last at the boss's jokes probably isn't far from retirement." —Unknown
• "Retirement: That's when you return from work one day and say, 'Hi, Honey, I'm home —forever.'" —Gene Perret
• "I enjoy waking up and not having to go to work. So I do it three or four times a day." —Gene Perret
• "Retirement: It's nice to get out of the rat race, but you have to learn to get along with less cheese." —Gene Perret
• "My father calls acting 'a state of permanent retirement with short spurts of work.'" —Chris Pine
• “What do you call a person who is happy on a Monday? Retired.” —Unknown
• "When a man retires, his wife gets twice as much husband for half as much money." —Chi Chi Rodriguez
• "Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save." —Will Rogers
• "My retirement plan is to get thrown into a minimum security prison in Hawaii." —Julius Sharpe

Retirement Quotes About Age

• “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” —Mark Twain
• "You have to put off being young until you can retire." —Unknown
• "Don't act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you have always been." —J. A. West
• "Retirement: When you stop lying about your age and start lying around the house." —Unknown
• "My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty and that's the law." —Jerry Seinfeld
• "Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous. When I was sixty-five I still had pimples." —George Burns
• "You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there." —George Burns
• "Age is just a number, but retirement is one of the greatest gifts to mankind." —Unknown
• "How do you know it's time to retire? It's when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it." —Unknown
• "When men reach their sixties and retire, they go to pieces. Women go right on cooking." —Gail Sheehy
• “Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life.” —Kitty O'Neill Collins
• "Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." —Albert Einstein

Retirement Quotes For Friend Or Co-Worker

• “If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough.” —Oprah Winfrey
• "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want." —Bill Waterson
• "Say goodbye to tension and hello to your pension." —Unknown
• "Retirement, a time to enjoy all the things you never had time to do when you worked." —Catherine Pulsifer
• "Retirement: No job, no stress, no pay!" —Unknown
• "Retirement isn't the end of the road, but just a turn in the road." —Unknown
• "The best part about being retired is never having to request time off." —Unknown
• "Retirement: World's longest coffee break." —Unknown
• “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
• “You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” —George Bernard Shaw
• "Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing." —Oliver Wendell Holmes
• "It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad, and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure." —Ernie Harwell
• "Stay young at heart, kind in spirit, and enjoy retirement living." —Danielle Duckery
• "Count your age by friends, not years." —John Lennon

Quotes For Those Who Don't Want To Retire

• "I need to retire from retirement." —Sandra Day O'Connor
• "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." —Vince Lombardi
• "The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off." —Abe Lemons
• "We spend our lives on the run: we get up by the clock, eat and sleep by the clock, get up again, go to work—and then we retire. And what do they give us? A bloody clock!" —Dave Allen
• "I find the biggest trouble with having nothing to do is you can't tell when you are done." —Unknown
• "I will not retire while I've still got my legs and my make-up box." —Bette Davis
• "I wanted to have more time to play and reflect, but I find retirement more stressful than having a nice, steady job because I have to make decisions about where I want to be." —Walter Cronkite
• "I'm always announcing my retirement. I'm still not retired." —Dick Van Dyke
• "Choose a work that you love and you won't have to work another day." —Confucius
• "Well, I didn't grow up with that word 'retirement' as part of my consciousness. I didn't grow up with professionals that retired. I thought retiring was when you are tired and go to bed." —Ruby Dee
• "You can never have the comeback if you don't have the retirement." —Chael Sonnen

Quotes For Those Who Are Ready To Retire

• "A lot of our friends complain about their retirement. We tell 'em to get a life." —Larry Laser
• "Retirement means doing whatever I want to do. It means choice." —Dianne Nahirny
• "Working people have a lot of bad habits, but the worst of these is work." —Clarence Darrow
• "I'm not just retiring from the company; I'm also retiring from my stress, my commute, my alarm clock, and my iron." —Hartman Jule
• "I have never liked working. To me a job is an invasion of privacy." —Danny McGoorty
• "There are some who start their retirement long before they stop working." —Robert Half
• “Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different.” —Patrick Foley
• “Retirement gives you the time literally to recreate yourself through a sport, game or hobby that you always wanted to try or that you haven't done in years.” —Steven Price
• “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” —Jim Rohn
• “Retirement is when having a good time is your only job.” —Unknown

Related Articles

• Relationships

50+ 'Happy Retirement’ Wishes & Message Ideas

Updated 06/17/2022

Published 02/22/2020

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Reaching your Golden Years comes with a lot of advantages but also many new challenges. The biggest change for most people is retirement, the age at which your career comes to an end. As a senior citizen , your time is finally your own. You no longer have to stick to the structure of a 9-5, and your time is yours to explore.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Retirement wishes for a coworker, retirement wishes for a friend, retirement wishes for a boss, retirement wishes for a partner or spouse, retirement wishes for parents, retirement wishes for another family member, inspirational retirement wishes, funny retirement wishes, travel retirement wishes, legacy retirement messages.

Many retirees use retirement to get closer to their family, travel, and expand their hobbies and interests. If someone in your life is approaching their time for retirement, show them that you’re there with them to celebrate this exciting time. These 50+ ‘happy retirement’ wishes and message ideas are perfect for welcoming the retiree to this new time of their life that’s all about them. 

If someone you work with is about to retire, let them know you’re thinking about them. As a fellow coworker, you know how different their retired life will be without the grind of a day job!

1. Cheers to your retirement! Thanks for being a great coworker!

2. It’s amazing to see someone retire who is as deserving as you. Try to relax into this new era of your life. 

3. Congratulations! The fun is about to begin! I wish you all the happiness and health. 

4. While the office won’t be the same without you, we’re so happy that you’re taking this time for yourself and your family. 

5. Thank you for being such a helpful coworker, a hard worker, and a kind friend. It’s time to go relax!

If one of your close friends is entering this next part of their life, let them know how much you care. It’s normal for retirees to feel a bit anxious, so remind them that you’ll always be there. 

6. You finally have the time to yourself that you deserve! May you sleep in late and eat all the good food! 

7. Happy retirement! Just make sure you spend some of that extra time with me! 

8. While you might think retirement means you’re old, it actually just means you’ve been working hard enough for a vacation. Congrats! 

9. You deserve the most stress-free retirement ever! Best wishes, friend! 

10. Life starts when you retire. Your time is officially yours to explore anything you’ve ever wanted. 

Saying goodbye to a beloved boss isn’t always easy, but you know it’s time for them to move on to new things. These well-wishes help with the transition.

11. No more sales targets, no more meetings, and no more KPIs. Congratulations on your retirement!

12. I’m sure you’ll miss having us do everything for you! Cheers to your hard-earned retirement!

13. Wishing you endless success and happiness in this new chapter of your life.

14. Your guidance and leadership have meant so much to me these past years. Thank you for everything! Best of luck!

15. Best wishes on your retirement. I hope you’ll still visit us at the office from time to time! We’ll definitely still miss you!

If your partner is retiring, this is exciting for the both of you. Together, you’ll have more time to devote to each other and the things that matter to you. Review the top retirement magazines for more inspiration for this new time. 

16. Retirement is a blessing for us both! I can’t wait to take on this new chapter of life together. Congratulations, my love. 

17. Your work has shined through for years, and I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve done amazing! Now it’s time to relax.

18. I can’t wait to use this time to connect, explore, and discover. No matter what, we’re a team. Congratulations on your retirement!

19. I’ve always been your biggest supporter throughout your career, and I can’t wait to cheer you on in this new era of your life as well! 

20. Your work might be losing a top employee, but now I get my partner full-time! I’m so proud of you, and I can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment together. 

As children, we help our parents adjust to their senior years and retirement. This is a great time to reconnect and come together. Pair these messages below with the best retirement gifts for mom or dad to help them make the most of this special time. 

21. You’ve given so much to me over the years. I’m so happy you’re finally taking some time for yourself. It’s time to relax and enjoy everything life has to offer. Congrats!

22. You’ve been the best role model to me over the years. Thanks to you, I always knew the type of hard worker I wanted to be. Now, I can’t wait to see you retire with such grace. 

23. I’m so excited to say my parents are retired and living life on their own terms. You’ve done so much for the family! It’s time for you to treat yourself. 

24. Hard work really does reap the greatest results, and you taught me that by example. I’m glad you’re finally retiring. Enjoy this time!

25. I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish in your retirement! You deserve this break more than anyone. Now go live it up! 

If another family member is retiring, let them know you’re thinking of them. Family ties are so important during any of life’s changes. 

26. Your hard work and determination motivated me for years! It’s time for you to take a break and enjoy your retirement. Congratulations! 

27. You’ve earned this break! I’m blessed to watch you enter your new stage of retirement. I can’t wait to see what you do next!

28. Enjoy the sweet fruits of your hard labor! Wishing you all the best for your amazing retirement. You’re your own boss now. 

29. Cheers to reaching this big milestone! Retirement is a time for new beginnings. Here’s to this amazing change!

30. They might say retirement is a chance to rest, but it’s actually a chance to live. Enjoy your new independence! 

With big changes come new challenges. Some people might need an extra push to know they’re making the right decision. Leaving the traditional workplace behind is harder than it looks!

31. Your whole new life is ahead of you. It’s full of nex experiences and happiness. Don’t call it retirement — call it bliss!

32. To find happiness in your retirement, learn to appreciate the smaller things in life. Everything will fall perfectly into place. Congrats!

33. Congrats on entering your personal era of “me time.” The world is yours to explore! 

34. It’s time to do everything you’ve been dreaming about. With no job to hold you back, the world is officially yours. What will you do next?

35. You’re one of my biggest inspirations. Never let your retirement put out that fire inside you! Cheers!

Who said retirement had to be serious? This is the perfect chance to laugh a bit about life and enjoy the simpler things — like these funny wishes below! 

36. Who said you have to act your age when you retire? It’s time to let out your inner youth!

37 No more Monday blues! Woohoo! Now that’s something to look forward to. Congrats on your retirement! 

38. I guess it’s time for that senior discount after all! I hope you enjoy all the best perks of retirement! 

39. Retirement is a neverending weekend! I would be lying if I say I’m not jealous. You better live it up! Congrats!

40. Seeing you retire makes me emotional. It’s hard to place the strongest feeling, but it might be envy. Best of luck! 

One of the most common things people do once they retire is travel. If someone in your life is about to embark on a new adventure, wish them bon voyage with these words of kindness. 

41. Happy retirement! I hope your trip is amazing! You deserve this. 

42. Sending all my love and best wishes for your retirement trip! I hope you have a great time! 

43. Though I’ll miss you, I understand why this trip is so important. Congrats on your retirement! Go see the world! 

44. A farewell is always sad, but I know you’re off to do amazing things. Bon voyage on your trip! I hope you make the most of your retirement. 

45. I’m so happy for you in your retirement. Use this chance to see the world and have new experiences. You’ll never know what you’ll discover! Best of luck! 

Every one of us leaves a mark on those we meet. Our legacy is something that lives on long after we’re gone, so let the retiree in your life know what their impact means. What legacy is left by their career?

46. Here’s to your 30 years of success! You leave behind a legacy of dedication and enthusiasm, and that isn’t going to be easy to replace. Thanks so much for everything!

47. We’re wishing you nothing but the best! You always gave your all, and now it’s time to turn your focus on yourself during your retirement. 

48. I’m so in awe of your career and your legacy. You’ve accomplished so much! Take this chance to stop and remember how you got here, and then smile about everything the future has in store. Congrats!

49. Congratulations on an outstanding career. Your contribution will not be forgotten. Now go live your dreams!

50. Your work was an inspiration to us all. Thanks for everything, and don’t forget just how much you mean to us. Cheers to the future! This is your time to shine!

Starting Retirement Strong

Everyone wants to make the most of their retirement, but sometimes this transition is intimidating. If you have a retiree in your life, let them know you’re thinking of them as they start this new chapter. Remind them that they’re not alone and that you’ve appreciated everything they’ve done up until this point. The Golden Years are always better when they’re spent together!

Have you given any thought to your own retirement? Taking time to start end-of-life planning is the best way to make sure this final chapter is all about you and your wants. This is the time to be selfish and make your wishes heard. 

Looking for more creative ways to say goodbye to a retiring coworker? Read our guides on the best retirement songs and the best funny retirement gifts .

Categories:

• Condolences & What To Say

You may also like

What’s a Retirement Home? Pros, Cons & Cost Explained

25+ Retirement Quotes to Share with a Loved One

21 Retirement Hobby Ideas to Keep You Busy & Happy

How to Write a Retirement Congratulations Letter + Examples

110 Happy Retirement Wishes & Card Messages

Last updated: May 15, 2024 by Michelle

Dive into our beautifully written collection of retirement wishes, designed to congratulate your boss, coworker, friend, or family member as they step gracefully into this new chapter of their life. Retirement is not just an end but also a new beginning, so you'll want to find perfect words to capture the essence of this monumental milestone. Let's celebrate their journey and achievements with sentiment and warmth!

As someone leaves the workplace, they're looking forward to having more time for relaxation, travel, hobbies, and family. Even joyous retirements can bring on a mix of emotions from bittersweet nostalgia to deep relief. For some, it's a time to say goodbye to a dear coworker, while for others, it's an opportunity to embrace new adventures.

On this page, you'll find an extensive range of wishes and sentiments you can use to write the perfect retirement message for the lucky retiree. There are also inspiring and funny retirement quotes you can add to your card message. Below, you will also find writing tips to help you compose the perfect personalized retirement congratulations messages!

Jump to a particular section or scroll down to read all the retirement wishes and quotes.

Writing Tips | Coworker | Boss | Employee | Friends & Family | Short | Inspirational | Funny | Retirement Quotes | FAQ

How to Write a Personalized Retirement Message

Want to write a personalized retirement message that will make them smile, feel good about themselves, and be proud of all they’ve achieved? If so, keep in mind these four easy tips for writing the perfect retirement message.

1. Acknowledge Their Accomplishments in Your Retirement Wishes

Acknowledge the person's contribution and hard work over their career. Thank them for their commitment, appreciate their work, and celebrate how much they’ve done. Be as specific as you can. For example:

"Thanks for all your hard work over the years fielding all the phone calls and making sure our office runs like clockwork. I don't know what we're going to do without you!"

2. Mention to Your Coworker What You’ll Miss About Them

Tell them what you'll miss about them, from their encouragement or guidance on projects to the casual conversations during coffee breaks. Tell them how it's been a pleasure to work with them and thank them for all they have done. Again, the more specific and personalized you can make your retirement wishes, the better. For example:

"I'm going to miss having you around - your good mood was so contagious. Also, I don't think we'll ever find someone who bakes birthday cakes as good as yours!"

3. Wish Them a Happy Retirement by Reminding Them of the Things They Won’t Miss

Remind them of all the things about work that they might NOT miss in retirement, like stressful end-of-year deadlines, bad coffee, or very long Monday morning staff meetings! For example:

"Congratulations on your escape from the morning standup meeting!"

4. Remind Your Retiring Coworker What They Have to Look Forward To

Mention things the person can look forward to in their retirement, from more time to spend on their hobbies to more time with their family. Send your retirement congratulations by pointing out that they can now travel, read, and pursue other passions as much as they like. And finally, don't forget to wish them a long, happy, healthy retirement! For example:

"We hope you have a long and happy retirement - enjoy all your travel and time with the grandkids!"

Happy Retirement Wishes for a Coworker

Wish your coworker the very best for their retirement and the next chapter of life with one of these retirement messages. You can easily use these retirement wishes as a starting point to personalize your own retirement message. Let them know something specific you're grateful for or acknowledge a particular work achievement.

It's been such a pleasure working with you. Your hard work and dedication have set an example for us all. We wish you a wonderful retirement!

It's hard to believe the time has come to say goodbye. You're truly one of a kind, and we're going to have a hard time finding someone to fill your shoes! Thank you for all you've contributed over the years. We will greatly miss your dedication and enthusiasm. We wish you a long and happy retirement. Don't be a stranger.

I'll miss you! You've been the glue that's kept this place together. It's been a joy to work with you, and I'm so happy you're taking the time to retire and pursue your dreams.

Now that you're retired, make sure you work just as hard at relaxing as you did for us! Thanks for all your support and advice over the years - you've been a great coworker and friend. All the best for a wonderful retirement!

We're so glad to have had the chance to work with you these past [insert how many] years. It's been delightful getting to know you as a coworker and friend, and we're sad to see you go. We hope you have a very happy retirement and enjoy your newfound freedom!

The countdown has officially ended! You made it! I'm going to miss you so much, especially your constant support and encouragement over the years. I wish you a happy retirement full of fun times, relaxation, and many good books!

You made it! I wish you much success and happiness in this new chapter of your life. You've been a great friend and coworker, and I really appreciate all you've done to support me over the years. Don't forget to keep in touch!

I'll miss your energy, enthusiasm, and unfailing dedication to constantly improving our workplace. Wishing you nothing but the best in your retirement.

You've always been a great motivator who helps bring out the best in others. Your passion and dedication have set a great example for the whole office. We wish you a happy and healthy retirement!

Thank you for everything you've done for the company over the past years. We'll miss your guidance and support around here. Now it's time to do what you want, and we hope you live it up.

It's time to leave the spreadsheets behind and start a new chapter in your life. Congratulations on your retirement, and here's to many happy years of leisure and relaxation! We'll miss you!

Thanks for always bringing your positive and professional energy into the office every day. You've been such a gift to work with, and your dedication and hard work have set an example for us all. We wish you a wonderful retirement!

Your time here has been unforgettable. We hope your retirement is just as memorable!

The office is never going to be the same without you, but we know your retirement is going to be everything you've hoped for.

You've been an excellent coworker, a shoulder to lean on, and a fantastic friend. No one deserves their retirement quite like you do.

Work won't be the same without your cheerful personality! You will be sorely missed!

No one could ever replace you. We hope you enjoy your retirement and greet every day with a big, thankful smile.

Happy Retirement Wishes for a Boss

Your boss has dedicated so much time and energy to keeping the workplace running smoothly, and now it's time to say goodbye. Here are a few retirement wishes to acknowledge their successes and let them know just how much you've appreciated them.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with you over the past [insert number of] years. You've been a fantastic boss and a great mentor. Enjoy your retirement and some well-deserved time for yourself. Do keep in touch!

Congratulations on your retirement! You've accomplished so much in this company, and we truly appreciate your effort and dedication. Wishing you all the best in your retirement.

Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for all you have done to guide this company forward over the years. We truly appreciate your dedication and hard work and the example you set for all of us. We wish you continued success in your retirement.

Congratulations on your retirement! Your encouragement and inspiration have given us direction, and we truly appreciate your effort and dedication. Wishing you all the best in your retirement.

Now that you've retired make sure you put as much effort into relaxing as you put into your job! Thanks for all your support and advice over the years - you've been a great boss. All the best for a wonderful retirement!

A team is only as good as its leader, which is why our team ran like a well-oiled machine! We thank you for your commitment and dedication to creating a nurturing and fun work environment. Happy retirement!

We hope your retirement is full of joy, adventure, and happiness. After all you put up with over the years, you deserve a relaxing retirement.

Congratulations on your retirement, boss! You’ve worked hard to get here and finished in style.

A world of possibilities awaits you in retirement. Enjoy them to the fullest.

Boss, the lessons you've taught me over the years will stay with me forever. Thank you for your dedication to my growth. Happy retirement.

As a boss, you've played many roles. But now, you get to play the best role: a retiree! Wishing you all the best!

Your skills, hard work, and compassion have made a strong impact on me. I hope your retirement brings you joy and fulfillment!

Happy Retirement Wishes for an Employee

Saying goodbye to a treasured employee can be bittersweet. As they move on to the next chapter in their lives, take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

You've been an amazing employee and friend. It's been a pleasure working with you. I'll miss your energy, your enthusiasm, and most of all, your unflagging dedication to helping this place run smoothly. Have a very happy retirement!

Thank you for your positivity, hard work, and support. The office won't be the same without you. We'll miss you!

You've accomplished so much at this company, and we truly appreciate your effort and dedication. Wishing you all the best in your retirement.

Congratulations from all of us on your retirement! You've been a great employee, and it's hard to imagine this office without you. Don't forget to keep in touch! Wishing you all the very best for your retirement!

Your dedication and motivation to your work here has lifted up all of your coworkers. Here's to many happy new experiences in retirement!

Your new goal this quarter: Avoid all work and live your best retired life! Congratulations, you've earned it!

From the day we hired you, you'e stood out as a shining light in this company. We will certainly miss you around here, and we're grateful for your hard work and dedication.

The office won't be the same without you, but we wish you all the best on this new chapter of your life! We'll miss you!

Congratulations on a fantastic career. Your hard work and go-getter personality have made the whole office brighter and cheerier. You will be sorely missed!

Today, we are celebrating the mark you left on this company. We'll never forget your hard work and commitment. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

While your retirement is bad for us, it's excellent for you! We hope you enjoy it to the max!

Happy retirement! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Please visit often!

Happy Retirement Wishes for Friends & Family

These retirement congratulations are for wishing friends and family members a happy retirement. They may be ending their career, but that doesn’t mean they’re ending their social life. Encourage them to stay in touch throughout this transition as you plan new adventures together.

You've always been such an inspiration to us and our family. Congratulations! We hope you cherish this freedom and have a very happy retirement!

Congratulations on your retirement. We're all so proud of how hard you've worked. Here's to enjoying the hard-won fruits of your labor!

Congratulations, you made it! So thrilled to hear you're finally retiring, and we can't wait to spend more time with you!

Make sure you work just as hard at enjoying your retirement as you have in your career! Congratulations, and we hope you have a very happy retirement!

Congratulations, now it's time for the fun to begin! Wishing you joy in this next stage of your life - we're so happy for you!

It's amazing to think you're stepping into retirement already! Let's celebrate! Where haven’t we traveled to yet? I think it’s time to make some vacation plans!

Many congratulations to you! We are so proud of all you've achieved in your career, and now it's time for a well-deserved change of pace! Enjoy your retirement.

Congratulations on reaching this huge turning point in your life! We hope you have a very happy retirement!

Say goodbye to long hours, and hello to living like every day's a vacation! Enjoy your well-deserved change of pace!

Well done on reaching this milestone! Knowing you, your retirement will be anything but dull. Wishing you a host of fun new adventures.

Now we can finally plan to hang out without work getting in the way! Happy retirement!

Enjoy the sleeping in, endless cocktails, and freedom to do whatever you please! Now is the time to take life by the horns and do all the things you’ve always wanted to!

Life is meant for living, not just working. Now's your time to embrace it fully. Happy retirement!

Goodbye to waking up early, hello to living the life of your dreams!

This retirement has been very well-earned. Enjoy it to the fullest!

You've made it! Congratulations and best wishes. Love you!

Short Retirement Wishes and Messages

Retirement is an opportunity for people to spend time on their favorite hobbies and travel experiences, as well as with family. Use these short and simple retirement wishes to say congratulations to the lucky retiree! These short messages are perfect for friends and family or to write in a group card for a coworker.

It's your time to relax! I wish you an incredible life in retirement - you've earned it!

Cheers to one of my favorite people in the office! Congratulations on your retirement!

Congratulations on your retirement! We're thrilled to see you finally getting some well-deserved relaxation.

Happy retirement! Enjoy your well-deserved time off.

You've had a brilliant career, and now it's time for a fantastic retirement - enjoy!

You made it! We'll miss you around the office, but wish you all the joy and happiness in your retirement.

Congratulations! We hope you enjoy every minute of your retirement!

Happy retirement! All the best to you and your family as you embark on this new adventure.

Goodbye pressure, hello leisure! You’ve earned this break. Live it up!

You deserve every second of your retirement! Enjoy!

You’ve put in the time and work. Now go enjoy your well-earned adventure.

Now is the time to kick back and enjoy. Happy retirement!

Now that you're retired, we hope you live your life to the fullest!

Today, we celebrate you. We miss you already!

Happy retirement! Enjoy your (very extended) day off.

The office won't be the same without you. Best wishes from us!

Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

Inspirational Retirement Wishes and Messages

Retirement marks the start of a new beginning. Use these messages to wish your retiree goodbye as they explore bright new horizons!

Wishing you a wonderful retirement. Enjoy this new chapter of your life, and we hope it's filled with good health, relaxation, and fun!

It's a big, beautiful world out there. Adventure awaits! Wishing you all the very best in your retirement!

Congratulations on your long-awaited retirement - we're so happy for you. Enjoy spending more time with your beautiful grandkids!

You've worked hard to climb this mountain, and now that you've reached the top, you finally get to enjoy the view! Congratulations on your retirement!

You've accomplished so much over your career, and we're going to miss your guidance, support, and positive attitude. But we're so pleased you'll have more time for yourself and can go do all the things you want to do. Enjoy this new chapter of your life.

The countdown is over! It's time to stop marking off the days on your calendar. Onward to the next journey!

No more day job! It's time to follow your passions and savor the rewards of your hard work. Congratulations and cheers to your new beginning.

Everything happens for a reason, especially retirement! Now is your time to truly kick back and enjoy your life to the fullest.

Every single moment with you has been an absolute pleasure. You deserve to have the most amazing retirement possible. Here's to many smiles, happy days, and sun-soaked adventures!

We're sad to see you go, but so happy to watch you prosper. Enjoy your retirement for years to come!

Funny Retirement Wishes and Messages

Appeal to their sense of humor with these funny retirement wishes and card messages. Celebrate their retirement and send them on their way with a laugh.

Goodbye tension and hello pension! Congratulations from all of us to one well-deserving retiree.

Congratulations on your retirement! Now you'll have more time for sleeping in, fishing, reading, and golfing... unless you want to trade places with me?

Busy Monday mornings, late shifts, horrible coffee, and a demanding boss... Won't you miss this so much? Congratulations on your retirement from your jealous coworkers!

Retirement - it's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it! Congratulations, and enjoy your newfound freedom!

You're not truly retired - [insert hobby, e.g., golfing or knitting] is a full-time job! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life.

Welcome to retirement, where every day feels like the weekend, and soon you'll forget what day it is!

We're sure going to miss you here. Too bad the feeling isn't mutual! Enjoy your retirement!

Wishing you a very happy retirement with plenty of time to get through that entire "to-do" list you’ve been putting off! We’re sure your spouse will be thrilled.

Retirement is the only real excuse you'll ever have to spend your entire life's savings. Go nuts!

I've heard that there's never enough time to do all the nothing you want in retirement. But I'm sure you'll make the most of every opportunity!

We're going to miss having you around, [boss/manager/supervisor]! After all, who will we annoy now that you're gone?

Are you sure you really want to retire? I can't do all this paperwork alone!

We can't believe you're leaving us! Who will we blame for the printer jams now?

Happy Retirement Quotes & Messages

In this section, you'll find inspiring and funny retirement quotes that you can add to a retirement greeting card message.

It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad, and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure. ~ Ernie Harwell

Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway. ~ Unknown

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. ~ J. Lubbock

Retire from work, but not from life. ~ M.K. Soni

Retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living. ~ Unknown

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

Retirement: That's when you return from work one day and say: "Hi, Honey, I'm home - forever." ~ Gene Perret

What do you call someone who's happy on Mondays? Retired! ~ Unknown

The key to retirement is to find joy in the little things. ~ Susan Miller

Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away! ~ Dr. Seuss

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

Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to. ~ Harry Emerson Fosdick

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Retirement is when you switch bosses from the one who hired you to the one who married you. ~ Gene Perret

It is so hard to leave - until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world. ~ from "Paper Towns" by John Green

Retirement Messages FAQs

You have plenty of retirement messages on hand now that you’ve read our 110 happy retirement wishes and card messages. However, you might still have questions about how to wish your coworker, friend, or boss a happy retirement. Fortunately, we have answers! Here are some common questions about wishing someone a happy retirement.

How do you wish someone a happy retirement?

The retirement messages we listed here are a great place to start when you want to wish someone a happy retirement. But they’re best used as starting places. Put your own spin on these retirement wishes and messages. A personal touch can go a long way and convey your sincere appreciation for the retiree.

A personal memory or funny anecdote are great ways to personalize your retirement message. Think of personal (but work appropriate) moments that show the retiree that they are special to you. This could take the form of mentioning a major career achievement or the circumstances around their retirement.

What are some encouraging messages for retirement?

For many, retirement can be as anxiety-inducing as it is joyful. This is a new stage of life, and that can come with some stress and uncertainty. Sending an encouraging retirement message can go a long way.

If you want to send an encouraging retirement message, let the retiree know that you’ll still be there for them even when they’re not clocking in at the office anymore. Reassure them that your acquaintance or friendship won’t change just because their job status has changed. You can also encourage the retiree to indulge in their hobbies and interests without reservation.

How do you send retirement wishes?

The medium matters as much as the message! An email can be cold and impersonal. A card is a great way to send retirement wishes. For one thing, you can personalize a card. You can even color a card yourself. It shows thought and care that an email or social media message simply can’t match.

You can also send retirement wishes alongside a gift. For ideas on that, check out the gift ideas below.

Retirement Gift Ideas

I hope you enjoyed our collection of retirement wishes and messages! If you're looking for more retirement message ideas, take a look at our collection of Retirement Quotes and Farewell Messages for inspiration!

If you're looking for a personalized retirement gift or some funny retirement gag gift ideas for a coworker or boss, check out these related articles below.

• Retirement Wishes

Popular pages

Find the perfect project...

• Anniversary
• Babies & Children
• Back to School
• Bath & Body
• Christmas Ornaments
• Coloring Pages
• Father's Day
• Free Printable Cards
• Gift Baskets
• Gifts in a Jar
• Jokes & Games
• Money Origami
• Mother's Day
• Quick & Easy
• Thanksgiving
• Valentine's Day
• Word Searches
• Wrapping Tips
• Terms of use
• Takedown Policy

150+ Retirement Wishes, Messages and Quotes

Retirement from a job marks a new beginning in life. Encourage them to have a great time and great adventure by sharing inspirational and encouraging words. Bring a smile on their face by sending a heartfelt retirement greeting or farewell wishes .

Though leaving the workplace is difficult for them, but your heartiest wishes can make them feel better and positive. Some people find retirement a depressing part of life. But you can always cheer them up and make them happy about it. So, let’s check out the following retirement wishes to see if you find what you were looking for.

Happy Retirement Wishes

Wishing you all the best in your retirement. May you have a healthy and happy life with your friends and family.

Happy retirement! May you experience only the best things in your life ahead. /p>

Congratulations on your retirement. May you enjoy every moment of this new journey of your life.

May God make your retirement happier and healthier. My best wishes are with you today and always.

Sending heartfelt wishes for the new chapter of your life. May you be able to do all those exciting and happy things you couldn’t do all these times. Have a wonderful time.

We had a great time to cherish forever, thousands of reasons for me to be thankful to you on this day. Wishing you an enjoyable life ahead. Happy retirement.

Happy Retirement! Your hard work, efforts, and achievements are always a great inspiration to all of us. You have retired from the office, but we will miss you and keep you in our hearts forever.

Happy retirement. It is not actually the end part of life, rather it is a new opportunity to enjoy your life.

You have contributed and sacrificed a lot. May this retirement bring you the peace and happiness that you deserve.

Happy Retirement! From the first day till the retirement day, your sacrifices and efforts will be remembered forever.

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement. May love and comfort keep you surrounded.

I feel proud to find a colleague like you. Congratulations on your retirement day and for all the positive achievements.

We wish you nothing but good health and joyous days in your retirement. Have a wonderful life and pray that we can carry out your ideals.

You were more than a coworker to me. You were like a mentor and the best colleague ever. Though it’s painful, wishing you a life full of happiness after retirement.

Cherish every moment from now on. I hope you get the chance whatever you wanted to do. Happy Retirement!

Happy retirement! May God bless you and your days be filled with joy and ecstasy.

Retirement is another new chapter of life. I hope you enjoy it with relaxation, good health, and fun. Congratulations.

Life after retirement is like the second innings of life. Reward yourself with a great and joyous vacation that you have always craved for. Happy retirement!

Sending respect and well wishes for the new chapter of your life. May you have a joyous life full of exciting moments.

Farewell is always a grievous moment, but a coworker like you would always be remembered with great honor and love. Enjoy your retired life.

Wish you a happy, healthy, and adventurous life after retirement. May this new chapter brings immense ecstasy, laughter, and triumph in your life.

Happy retirement! Thank you for the blood, sweat, tears and hard work with which you’ve helped our company grow.

The quality which you’d bring to work is something which you will dearly miss in the workplace. I hope the chapter on retirement brings you great delight.

Heartiest congratulations! Hope for a colorful new stage of life along with this glamorous retirement!

All of us at work will miss you dearly. But, on the bright side, you get to spend some quality time with your family now. Happy retirement!

You deserve this new-found freedom after working so hard and with dedication all these years. Congratulations on your retirement.

Congratulations on your retirement! You deserve an amazing retirement and you have achieved it.

Heartfelt Retirement Messages

I wish you a happy retirement! You’re a person who sometimes acts as a mentor, sometimes as a friend, and sometimes as a colleague with a helpful attitude. Thanks for being so kind and caring throughout your career.

Life is giving you another chance to find yourself again and start it all over again. May all your desires come true during this new phase of your life.

Freedom is another name of retirement; no more workload, no tension; you are your own boss. May you enjoy this freedom and accomplish things that you never did before.

The unparalleled dedication with which you’ve performed your job all these years deserves a huge round of applause. Hope your extended vacation for life turns out to be amazing.

Have a happy retirement. Consider it as a sweet reward for all your contributions, late nights, and having no time for your family. Welcome to it!

We are all grateful for your guidance, support, and great leadership. You’ll be missed for your generosity. Happy farewell.

In all these years, I’ve seen you working day and night; now it’s time to rest and enjoy yourself. Relax and feel life all again.

Your retirement has brought you a new opportunity to experience freedom in life. I wish that you feel the thrill of life and embark on many adventures that never happened before.

Your life’s golden phase is about to start. May God bless you to fulfill all your personal aspirations through your retirement! Live your dreams as much as you can.

We Can’t imagine you without work, but we’re happy as you’ll now get much time to spend with us and can go to the places we always wanted to go.

All your best work will be remembered with great gratitude and honor. May this retirement be the start of a happy time in your life.

May this retirement bring you the opportunity to discover a new meaning to life. May you be able to do things that you always wished for! Congratulations and best of luck with your retirement.

Happy retirement. Finally, you are going to have some time to spend only for yourself. Hope you test all the new ventures of your life to the fullest.

Simple and Short Retirement Wishes

Best wishes on your retirement. Have a wonderful life ahead!

Happy retirement day! May life keep all the best things stored for you.

Wishing you great health, longer naps and a very happy retirement!

You deserve a good rest now. Happy retirement!

Congratulations on completing a successful career! It’s time to relax, so enjoy it!

The life you have just passed is genuinely praiseworthy. Best wishes for the future!

Sending best wishes on your retirement. Enjoy it at your heart’s content.

May all the great things happen in your life! Happy retirement.

Congratulations on your retirement! Your career has been a motivation to everyone!

Thank you for always leading us from the front, boss. We will miss you greatly.

Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy your hobbies, and stop by sometime to see us.

Happy retirement to one of the best employees/business-persons ever!

Retirement is not an ending, this is a new beginning! So, stay excited.

Congratulations on achieving this milestone and all the best for your journey ahead.

Congratulations on your retirement! May peace follow you wherever you go.

Wishes for a Colleague or Coworker

Thank you for always creating a motivating atmosphere all around the office. I will always miss your presence here. Have a great life ahead!

You have always been an example to us at work. Congrats, and thanks for being a great colleague.

Sending my heartfelt admiration and best wishes on your retirement. May you get to live all your dreams!

It’s been nothing but an absolute blessing sharing the workplace with you. You are a friend, mentor and a great company to have. May God bless you.

Now that you are retiring, who will take all the work pressure away with silly jokes? We will miss our great colleague in the office so much. Enjoy your retirement.

Hey, Mr. Perfectionist! You will be missed so much. I hope you will enjoy your retirement and won’t forget the lifelong friends you have made her. Good wishes.

You were the best coworker anyone could have ever asked for. Thanks for being such and kind and amazing soul. Enjoy your days to the fullest.

Heartiest of congratulations to you on your retirement from work. Work will never feel the same with you gone.

The difference you’ve made at work and the way you’ve always been there for guidance makes you one of my favorite coworkers (insert name). I will miss you dearly. Happy retirement.

You are one of the best colleagues I have until now. I will miss you. Best wishes for your happy retirement.

Your hard work and effort in the office were always attractive and praiseworthy. But you truly deserve this retirement with peace and joy. Happy Retirement!

Your enthusiasm and positive attitude towards work made us learn many things. We will miss such an optimistic person. Congratulations on your retirement.

Congratulations on completing a successful career! Wish you a retirement full of health, wealth and exciting memories.

It is really surprising that you’re going to retire. Warmest congratulations! Enjoy the new periods with boundless happiness and you deserve it.

Heartfelt congratulations on your glorious achievement. I will miss you but wish you to make the best use of your newfound freedom.

This place will never feel the same without you. Nevertheless, at least one of us is getting some peace! Happy retirement.

Thank you for bringing a happy vibe to this office and being a great teammate to work with! Happy retirement.

Read More: 100+ Retirement Wishes For Coworker and Colleague

Retirement Wishes for your Boss

Thank you for always lifting up the mood and always encouraging us with your words. Over these past years, we get to learn so many things from you. Congratulations on your retirement, we will miss you.

Working under your leadership and guidance was truly an honor for each and every one of us. Thank you for all the support. Enjoy your retirement, Sir.

To my fantastic boss, thanks for all the support and patience. We will miss you. Best wishes for your retirement.

I still cannot believe that we won’t be greeted with your positive vibe every day in the office, Sir. I will always remember your advice. Have a great life, Sir.

The department will never be the same without your jokes and your good vibes. I will miss you so much, Sir. Have a good life ahead. Congratulations on your retirement.

Boss, you have been our role model at work. Your determination and grit deserve high praise. We wish you a joyous retired life with your loved ones.

You have sacrificed a lot. Wishing you an exciting, amazing, relaxing, and stress-free life. Happy Retirement Boss!

Your decision-making skills and your excellent leadership will be dearly missed. Happy retirement, boss!

Happy Retirement Sir! We have seen how much you contributed to your work. Now it is time to enjoy and explore. You must deserve it.

Boss, you have always been an embodiment of optimism and enthusiasm. As you retire, we will sorely miss you. Happy retirement.

Happy retirement, boss. You are a true leader and your teachings will always guide me.

Your dedication, struggle, and effort for the company is always inspiring. We can not believe that you are going to retire and we never even think about our work without you. But wishing you a cheerful retired life.

Read More: Retirement Wishes and Messages For Boss

Wishes for an Employee

You have worked hard until the last day of your job. We admire your contribution until now. Happy retirement.

Finally, the day is here to say goodbye. You have always been a great employee. We will miss you. Happy retirement day.

All the best from us to your new retired life; we hope you get to enjoy every moment from now on.

Congratulations on your retirement! You have achieved so many things. We will miss such a dedicated employee—all the best for the new journey.

You have accomplished so many things in this company. We sincerely appreciate the dedication and effort you made for our company. Congrats on your retirement.

Your contributions to this place will never be forgotten. We all are proud of you and wish you a great retirement.

Happy retirement! Hope that every day from now on brings you comfort and excitement.

May this retirement open new doors of memories and excitement for you. Happy retirement!

Retirement Wishes for Family Members

I’m so happy and proud of you, dear dad. All the hectic schedules are in the past now; finally, you won’t be missing quality time and fun with the family anymore.

Congratulations on your retirement. I hope you will enjoy your days as a retiree to the fullest. I am extremely happy for you, dad.

After years of hard work, you will finally have some time to yourself. I am so happy for you. I hope you enjoy your life to the max. Happy retirement dad.

Happy retirement to the best father in the world. You have beautifully balanced your work-life and family, and there’s so much to learn from you.

I wish you great happiness and good health on all the days of your retirement. Have a blessed retirement, Mom. I love you so much.

The end of an excellent professional journey, and the beginning of an exciting retirement. I couldn’t be happier for you! Stay blessed, Mom.

Congratulations on your retirement, Dad. You can finally spend more time with your grandchildren. We love you!

Now that you are done with your bosses, you’ll be under constant supervision by your boss at home. Happy retirement, honey!

Wish you a very happy retirement, my love. I’m super excited to spend more time with you!

Your days of giving excuses about work are over! You are all mine now. Happy retirement dear hubby!

You have finally caught the achievement you always wanted. I am really blessed and can not wait to spend every single moment with you. Congratulations!

Happy retirement to the coolest retiree ever! May your days ahead be fun and relaxing, brother.

Welcome to a new chapter of life, brother! May your retirement be filled with magical moments.

Happy retirement to my favorite boss lady. I hope you stay extra busy with your dreams and hobbies!

A happy and hopeful retirement to you, dear sister. May you fly higher than ever before!

It’s finally the time you can rest without any worries from work. Congrats on your retirement, uncle.

Congratulations uncle on your recent retirement from work. What a marvelous career you’ve had. I would love to hear about your work accomplishments the next time I visit.

Happy retirement dear Uncle! Hope you enjoy good health and quality time with your family.

Out of all the people, you deserve this break and deserve to have fun which you have been missing throughout the years due to workload. Congratulations on your retirement.

We are so glad you are retiring, and we wish your retirement days will be fun and sunny! Happy retirement. Have fun and enjoy your life, dear uncle.

Retirement Wishes for a Friend

I’m so proud of the person that you are today. The dedication you had for your job, it’s time to enjoy life with two times more dedication than that.

I’m glad that you are finally retiring. Should we start planning all the trips we didn’t get to go to? Oh my, good days here we come!

So you are going to get unlimited time for riding, sleeping, golfing, and touring. Happy Retirement my dear friend!

As your friend, I can say it’s your good deeds that have brought you where you are today. I hope you know what retirement actually means! Happy Holidays for life.

I have always known you as the most active and hardworking person. Now I cannot wait to see how you enjoy your freedom! Congratulations on your retirement.

I hope you know life never stops and retirement is just another phase of life. Embrace it and enjoy your life with joyous moments. Happy retirement friend.

Retirement has finally come knocking at your doors. I really hope you get to spend some quality time with your family.

I’ve watched you work too hard for so many years. I am so glad that it is all coming to an end now. You honestly deserve retirement more than anyone I know.

Congratulations on your new freedom. Now we will get to see you more. Enjoy every moment of your new life.

Related: Goodbye Messages When Leaving The Company Or Job

Retirement Wishes for your Teacher

Thanks for your endless effort, motivation, and hope for us to become better and more successful people. Happy retirement.

Thank you Mr/Mrs. (insert name) for making (insert subject) easy for us. Very few people can teach as well as you. We’ll miss you!

Sir/ Madam, you have been a great role model for me throughout high-school. I feel pretty sad at the thought of no longer seeing you at school. Nonetheless, have a happy retirement.

You were so kind, considerate and caring. We’ll miss you a lot now that you’re retiring.

Thank you for instilling a growth mindset and a passion for learning. Hope your retired life turns out to be beautiful.

Whenever I think of you, I am reminded of your kind smile. You have been teaching at this school for quite a while. Your time to retire is finally here, sign off in style.

Even if you retire, you will never retire from my heart. However, happy retirement dear teacher .

You have made us learn to never compromise with honesty, integrity, and good behavior. You deserve the most incredible ovation at retirement.

Retirement Quotes

“Stay young at heart, kind in spirit, and enjoy retirement living.” – Danielle Duckery

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

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

“Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.” – Gene Perret

“Retirement, a time to do what you want to do, when you want to do it, where you want to do it, and how you want to do it.” – Catherine Pulsifer

“Retirement is supposed to be the great escape from the stresses inherent in most jobs, a time to experience a fulfilling life derived from many enjoyable and rewarding activities.” – Ernie J. Zelinski

“When a man retires, his wife gets twice the husband but only half the income.” – Chi Chi Rodriguez

“Retirement: It’s nice to get out of the rat race, but you have to learn to get along with less cheese.” – Gene Perret

“We work all our lives so we can retire – so we can do what we want with our time – and the way we define or spend our time defines who we are and what we value.” – Bruce Linton

“Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache… unless you play golf.” – Gene Perret

“O, blest retirement! friend to life’s decline – How blest is he who crowns, in shades like these, A youth of labor with an age of ease!” – Oliver Goldsmith

Funny Retirement Messages

For you, the weekend has seven days. Congratulations on the extended weekend. By the way, happy retirement.

May your retirement be full of sweet memories, but not too sweet! Old people need to keep their sugar levels in check!

I’m jealous of all the free time you will have from now. Happy retirement!

Happy retirement! Enjoy your old age as long as you can, because soon your body won’t let you!

Best wishes on your retirement! Nothing can stop you from going on all the adventures now, except your laziness, maybe.

It’s over to giving excuses to the office every single day. Happy Retirement Day!

May God give your new boss at home a lot of patience to bear you. Congrats on this retirement!

You always badly waited for holidays. So now you are going to get six-months holidays twice a year.

Now that you are retiring, you will have so much time for us. This makes me so happy. I hope you will be enjoying your day’s max. Happy retirement.

Congratulations on gaining two new best friends -bed and couch. From now on, you will hang out with them mostly.

Now it’s your time to say goodbye to tension and say hello to your pension—happy twice-a-year holiday.

Happy retirement! From now on, each day will be your weekend. I hope you enjoy every last second of it!

Retiring from work doesn’t mean that you have now become useless, rather, it offers you the freedom to discover new horizons of life. It opens up the possibility of new adventures in life. But sometimes, our loved ones may feel sad and emotional when they retire from their job. So, cheer up your boss, colleague, father or any family member so they can take it easy. Inspire them to go for all those hidden desires of theirs that were left behind unachieved. Through retirement, life opens up a new door to living the excitement of life again. We hope all these wishes and messages would bring positive sense to your near one. Pick the one you like and send the best retirement wishes to your dear one.

You May Like

• Happy Retirement Wishes For Dad
• 70+ Best Retirement Cake Sayings and Message Ideas
• 10th Anniversary Wishes, Messages and Quotes
• May God Bless You Wishes, Messages and Quotes
• Happy Son's Day Wishes, Messages and Quotes

Congratulations on Your Retirement: What to Say (and What to Give)

Retirement is such a wonderful moment in someone’s life. They’ve given so much to a company or career, and now it’s time for them to take things easy, relax, or embark on a new adventure. To share your excitement and joy for the retiree, here are some great ways to say “Congratulations on your retirement!” You’ll also find some thoughtful gift ideas they’ll love. 

What to Write in a Retirement Card

It’s not every day that someone you work with or someone close to you retires. If you’re not sure what to write inside a retirement card, here are some ideas to get you started. 

Congratulate the Retiree

Take a moment to congratulate the retiree on everything they’ve achieved so far. Let them know you think they’ve had an impressive career, made an amazing contribution to their industry, and really changed their workplace for the better.

You can also use this as an opportunity to compliment them on their achievements, approach, or manner. If a coworker or boss is retiring, you could thank them for the way they’ve helped you with your own career, or note how they’ve been a truly great mentor. If a family member is retiring, compliment them on their long and successful career and how proud you feel. 

Look Back on Fond (or Funny) Memories

Retirement is a time of reflection for many, with the retiree looking back at their career and achievements. Follow suit by using your congratulations message to reflect on fond or funny memories you share with them. 

You could bring up the time when they had a fantastic fundraising idea and raised money for a local cause, or when they supported you through a tough time. If you know their sense of humor, you could look back on a funny memory — like when they spilled coffee on their shirt right before a meeting, or embarrassed themselves in front of a customer. 

Wish Them Well for the Future

Just as one chapter of their life is closing, another is beginning. Your beloved retiree is heading into a different way of life and it’s time to wish them well.

If you know what the retiree is looking forward to or doing next, you can personalize your message. Congratulate them on starting a business and wish them well for the future, or say that you hope they have a wonderful adventure spending more time with their family. If you’re not sure what they have planned, you can keep it simple and wish them all the best. 

How to Say “Congratulations on Your Retirement!”

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Knowing what to write in a greeting card or say at a retirement party isn’t always easy — especially if the retiree is a coworker you don’t know too well. Whether you keep your congratulations message short and sweet or write something in-depth, here are some ideas to help you find the right words. 

Simple Retirement Messages 

It’s time to send those well wishes to the happy retiree. To keep things simple, consider these wording ideas: 

• Happy retirement, [Name]! You’ve earned it.
• Congrats on your retirement! Enjoy this new chapter.
• Wishing you good health for the future.
• Sending happy retirement wishes your way, [Name]!
• Have a wonderful retirement, [Name]!
• Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement — have fun! 

Congratulations Messages to Your Boss

If your boss is retiring, you may want to express how they played a special role in your career and how it’ll be tough for someone to fill their shoes. Here are a few simple ways to congratulate a boss and wish them well for the future:

• Best wishes for the future, [Name]. You’ll always be the boss. Thank you for everything! 
• Good luck with the next chapter of your life, [Name]. You’ll be missed by us all.
• Can’t believe you’re leaving to become your own boss! As someone who knows, you’ll be great at it. 
• Best of luck with your new journey, [Name]. It’s been a pleasure having you as my boss.

Retirement Wishes for a Coworker

It’s hard to say goodbye to a coworker you’ve really enjoyed working with. To help ease the pain, here are some lovely words you can share with them in a retirement card:

• Thanks so much for all your hard work at [Company], [Name]! I couldn’t have gotten through it without you.
• Have fun on all your new adventures. We’ll miss you so much! 
• It won’t be the same without you here, [Name]. Best wishes for the new chapter of your life.
• [Name], you’re one of the hardest workers I know. Enjoy your retirement in comfort — you deserve it! 

Retirement Congratulations to a Family Member or Good Friend

You don’t have to work with the retiree to send them a congratulations card. Sometimes you’ll want to send one to a loved one or close friend who’s retiring. Here are some wording ideas to help share the joy:

• Have the best retirement ever, [Name]! We can’t wait to see more of you. 
• Congratulations on your retirement, [relation] — there’s nobody who deserves it more. 
• So glad it’s retirement time, Grandpa/Grandma! All of us grandkids are excited to spend more time with you. 
• Happy retirement, [Name]! Hope you enjoy all the free time — we’ll stop by for afternoon tea soon. 
• Congrats on your retirement, [relation]. Now you have all the time in the world to pursue [hobby].

Funny Retirement Congratulations Messages

If you’re on good terms and know they’ll enjoy it, have a little fun with your “congratulations on your retirement” message. Here are some light, fun wording ideas to sprinkle some laughter into the proceedings:

• Have fun with the next chapter of your life — let’s hope it’s better than the last one! 
• Ready to say “hello pension,” [Name]? Congratulations!
• Happy retirement day! Time to exercise that newfound freedom to nap, sip tea, and read the paper. 
• Welcome to retired life, [Name]! It’s not all it’s cracked up to be — unless you enjoy doing whatever the heck you want! 
• Here’s to your extended coffee break, [Name]! 

Retirement Gift Ideas

Sometimes you’ll want to send a thoughtful gift alongside your well wishes. Perhaps you’ll join forces with others to send a group gift, or send a sweet individual gift to congratulate the retiree on their achievements. Whatever you choose, here are some retirement gift ideas they’re sure to love. 

Thoughtful Personalized Gifts 

Personalized gifts make wonderful mementos for retirement — especially if you opt for something traditional that they can keep as a reminder of your time together. 

You could get a beautiful watch engraved with their name and a sweet message, or you could give the gift of personalized jewelry, stationery, or housewares instead. Another popular option is to create a gift trophy or medal for the retiree to commemorate their work. 

Hobby Gifts

Often people have more time to enjoy their hobbies once they retire, so this is the perfect opportunity to give them something special that relates to their interests. 

Popular choices here include accessories for sports like golf, walking, or tennis. You could also give craft supplies if the retiree loves to make things, or an e-reader or tablet if they enjoy curling up with a good book. 

If you’re not sure what to give as a gift or you want your friend or coworker to have freedom of choice, a gift card is always a lovely retirement gift option. 

With a gift card, they’re free to spend your thoughtful contribution on whatever they please. They might choose to buy something for their home, or take their family out for a treat. If you’re sending a digital card with Greenvelope , you now have the option to add a gift card to your order. This means you can easily combine your thoughtful message with a gift.

Say “Congratulations on Your Retirement” in Style

Your retiree friend or coworker is about to step into a new phase of their life — one with more freedom and time to pursue the things they love. We hope this guide has helped you put your joy for them into words, so you can congratulate them on a job well done and celebrate all they’ve achieved.

Elevate your career with foundit- where the best jobs meet your bright future. Register Now

Retirement Farewell Speech: Format, Samples with Long and Short Versions

One of the senior employees or teachers is retiring. A secret farewell has been planned. You have been given the duty to craft a retirement farewell speech. Now, that is undoubtedly a great responsibility. 

You have to include elements of nostalgia, emotion and humour. This is undoubtedly not an easy job, but it is not impossible. You just need to follow a proper structure. We will help you through this article. 

Here, we have discussed each section of the retirement speech format in detail. Moreover, we have provided samples for both long and short versions. Read along to learn more. 

1. The Format of a Retirement Farewell Speech

The structure consists of three sections – the opening paragraph, the body content and the closing lines. Scroll down to know you should curate it to ensure maximum engagement. 

1.1. Opening Remarks

The opening lines should brief how they have helped the company reach new heights. It should include proper gratitude. However, you can choose the tonality according to the employee.  Begin by being thankful for their contribution to the organisation. Additionally, if it is a farewell speech for teacher by student, include how they have helped students grow academically.  You choose the tone as emotional but professional if it’s a senior employee. However, if it is a retirement speech for colleague, you can choose a bit of humour. However, in all situations, you must sound sincere. 

1.2. Body of the Speech

Begin this section of the retirement farewell speech by tracking back the journey. You can add your experience while working with them as well. State some eventful accomplishments. Continue with how it had helped the company. Add how it had been such a significant contribution. 

Remember to add how their mentorship has helped you throughout. Moreover, for retirement speech for coworkers, add how they have helped as colleagues. Include how they have taught you some life lessons. If it is a retirement speech for teacher, add a lesson-giving incident. For instance, you initially felt annoyed by their actions but later realised how it had helped you.

1.3. Closing Remarks

Lastly, include your gratitude in the last lines. End with a memorable line to add a bit of drama to the retirement farewell speech. Begin your conclusion: “Thank you for serving the company with sincerity and dedication for so many years.” You might want to add a more friendly and casual tone for a colleague. Try to make it more personal. Like for a farewell speech for teacher, you can say – “We will never forget how enjoyable learning became just for you”. 

2. Long-Version Retirement Farewell Speech Sample 

Suppose you are asked to write a more detailed speech. In such cases, you need to add more details about the incidents. However, you must ensure you are not making it tedious and monotonous. 

2.1. The opening remarks (sincere and nostalgic)

Maintain a true tone while expressing your gratitude in your retirement farewell speech. Add a bit of nostalgia. For instance – We will surely miss how you would greet everyone, even between your important calls. 

2.2. The body of the speech (detailed and comprehensive)

It is in this section you must add the most details. Suppose it is a farewell speech for employee senior to you. You can add multiple pieces of advice that have helped you and your peers. Additionally, the lessons you have learnt throughout. 

Reminiscing about the journey

Begin with, “I still remember how you had motivated us when we had to work those extra hours. And definitely the after-success celebrations.” Explain in brief detail what had happened. Add their contribution. Complete with impact. Continue with “And oh! When we were working on [name] project together …” follow the same format. 

Highlighting achievements and contributions

You can say, “I still remember how you helped me handle that [client name] when we all were in an absolute fix”. You can also add, “We felt so proud when you received the award for [name]. We felt no one would be more deserving than you, especially the manner you had served the company…” State the most mention-worthy accomplishments in the retirement farewell speech. 

Acknowledging colleagues and mentors

If it is a farewell speech for colleague’s retirement, you can write, “I will miss those pep talks during our lunch breaks. It must have seemed like some casual advice, but honestly, it has helped us grow so much”. For a senior employee or teacher, follow a more professional tone. 

Sharing valuable lessons learned

You must include some events that have taught you important lessons. Add how implementing the lessons has helped you boost your career growth. 

Expressing well-wishes for the future

End the body content with general wishes for the future in the retirement farewell speech. Keep it simple, short and to the point. 

2.3. The closing remarks (inspirational and impactful)

The conclusion should create a lasting impression. You can end with, “We hope you continue to inspire everyone around you just like you have done here.” For a retirement speech for father, you can end with, “…Additionally, motivate everyone to fulfil their dreams and walk beyond the conventional whenever necessary.”

2.4 Long Retirement Speech Sample

3. Sample Retirement Farewell Speech

In a shorter form, you need to be more concise and precise. However, you cannot leave behind emotions and make them lengthy. Check out how to craft it tactfully while retaining the necessary sentiments. 

3.1. The opening remarks (concise and heartfelt)

Express your gratitude and appreciation in a line or two. However, ensure the tonality. You can begin with, “We cannot thank you enough for continuously inspiring us for fifteen years. Additionally, we express our heartfelt gratitude for contributing fifteen precious years of your life to elevate the standards of this company.”

3.2. The body of the speech (concise)

State only the significant incidents. Either you can detail one or two incidents. Or else mention multiple events in brief. 

Highlighting key moments and achievements

While reminiscing, the journey includes the critical events. Try to include most of the fundamental accomplishments. However, keep it brief but nostalgic. 

Expressing gratitude and well-wishes

Right after, end the body content with your good wishes. You can afford a playful but professional tonality for retirement speech for employees of your age. 

3.3. The closing remarks (memorable and positive)

Similarly, close with a line or two max. Refrain from stretching unnecessarily. Hence, choose a compelling line to end. For instance, “Let this ending be the beginning of some new venture”. You can also say, “We wish you happiness and prosperity in whatever endeavour you undertake”. 

3.4 Short Retirement Speech Sample

4. Tips for Delivering an Impactful Retirement Farewell Speech

You must remember that curating content will never be enough to create an impression. A considerable percentage depends on how you are delivering it. Let us look at the techniques to deliver a retirement farewell speech properly. 

4.1. Personalising the speech

Avoid sounding verbose and unnecessarily formal. You must personalise it. You must add relevant incidents. However, you must cater to the background and the employee details. 

Infusing personal anecdotes and experiences

Do not only state their achievements. You must also add your personal view on dealing with the person. Provide some of your relevant experiences to personalise it. 

Tailoring the content to the audience and organisation

Consider the type of organisation you are in. Additionally, pay heed to whether it is a colleague or a senior employee. Choose the content of your retirement farewell speech accordingly. 

4.2. Striking the right tone (sincere, humorous, nostalgic)

Tonality will make the actual differences. Ensure there is a perfect blend of sincerity, nostalgia and humour. Nothing should be overpowering the other. 

Balancing sincerity with appropriate humour

It is a myth that humour and formality cannot be brought together. Try to state some funny incidents without getting too casual. However, sincerity is a must throughout the speech. 

Expressing genuine emotions and nostalgia

Nostalgia is the main agenda. The employee must be able to track his journey with your speech. Hence, make sure to put in the right emotions.

4.3. Practicing and rehearsing

We have all heard that practice makes perfect. Curate your final draft early on. Practice how to deliver it for at least a couple of weeks. This will enable you to choose the right body language, pitch and pace. 

Ensuring smooth delivery and optimal timing

Only practice can ensure a satisfactory delivery. Check the duration of your retirement farewell speech while rehearsing. This will help you avoid rushing or stretching the speech unnecessarily. 

Incorporating visual aids or multimedia elements, if necessary

You can add videos or images from some event to make it more dramatic. You can also create a slide show at the beginning. Or you can also end with it. 

4.4. Engaging the audience

Apart from the target employee, your speech should be engaging to the others as well. Check out how to use nonverbal techniques to achieve it. 

Maintaining eye contact and using appropriate body language

Though you might be reading the speech, remember to maintain eye contact. For this, you must rehearse adequately to understand the content flow. Additionally, ensure confident and positive body language. 

Encouraging audience participation or interaction

You can also ask your peers to pitch in while citing common instances. This will create a conversational atmosphere. 

4.5. Expressing gratitude and well-wishes

Maintain an emphasising tone while expressing your gratitude. Additionally, use the right pitch to convey the right emotions. 

Genuinely thanking colleagues, mentors, and the organisation

End with expressing your appreciation for the person. Additionally, you can also thank the organisation for hiring such an employee. You can also add how lucky you are to be able to work with them. 

Sincerely wishing everyone the best for the future

Lastly, close by bidding a farewell to everyone present. Additionally, you can choose to wish everyone prosperity in their upcoming ventures. 

Drafting a retirement farewell speech on behalf of someone can be pretty challenging. This is because you are representing the organisation. Hence, you need to be very careful with the content and tonality. However, if you follow the guidelines above, the process will be considerably simplified. 

FAQs on Retirement Farewell Speech

Q1. how much time should my speech take.

A1. It should not exceed more than ten minutes. However, do not rush the speech, or the emotions will be left behind. 

Q2. How do we ensure engaging content?

A2. Begin with an emotional and heartfelt opening line. State both their achievements and your personal experience with them. Lastly, end with an inspiring line. Ensure you are using the right tonality.

Q3. How will the type of audience influence my tonality?

A3. The employee’s stature will decide how professional you have to be in your speech. For instance, you can afford to be playful with a fellow employee. However, for a senior employee, you must be more professional, even if you add humour. 

Q4. How can I deliver an impactful speech?

A4. Nonverbal communication techniques are the secret. Ensure proper eye contact. Use the proper pitch and pace. Maintain a positive and friendly body language. 

Q5. How do you keep the speech brief?

A5. Begin with a line or two for the introduction. State a few events and experiences in brief. Express your gratitude and well-wishing. Lastly, end with an inspiring sentence.

More articles

Engineer’s day 2024: how to thrive in an it-dominated job market (salaries, job trends & more)  , how to write an unforgettable retirement speech: a comprehensive guide, sample leave application letter for office [writing guide].

Latest article

August 2024 hiring trends with the foundit insights tracker: it and real estate lead the charge , the it salary trends: what’s driving growth in 2024 .

© Monster. All rights reserved.

• foundit Blog
• Foundit Blog 2
• new home page
• Social Media
• Write for foundit: Share Your Expertise and Empower Careers!

Job Seekers

Popular category.

• Insights Tracker 607
• Interview Tips 587
• Career Management 506
• Job Search Strategy 333
• Resume & Cover Letters 243
• Motivation & Thought Leadership 206

Editor Picks