What to Write in a Retirement Card

Retirement cards come with a surprising amount of pressure. You’re not just saying goodbye – you’re marking the end of an era, celebrating decades of work and giving someone a bittersweet send-off into a whole new chapter of life. No big deal, right? If you’re panicking, you’re in the right place – we’ll show you how to turn words into magic, whether you’re writing a retirement message to a boss, a colleague, an employee or friends and family. 

The good news is there’s no single perfect retirement message – but that doesn’t exactly narrow things down either. If you’ve been staring at a blank page for the past hour, you’ll need this guide on what to write in a retirement card, with examples you can use as inspo or paste them straight into your digital card. Hey, we won’t judge! 

What Makes a Good Retirement Message?

A great retirement message usually includes:

• Recognition of their contribution or career.
• Warmth or personality (this can be funny or sincere – ideally with real moments you’ve shared!).
• Wishes for the next chapter – show them you care about more than their career, but their future beyond. 

It doesn’t need to be long – it just needs to feel genuine.

Funny Retirement Messages

Perfect for friends, close colleagues or anyone with a good sense of humour.

• You’re retiring, but your legendary stories will live on.
• Retirement: where every day is Saturday.
• Congratulations on your promotion to captain of good times!
• Enjoy retirement…and try not to set your alarm out of habit!

Thoughtful & Heartfelt Retirement Messages

For when you want to keep it sincere and meaningful – these are great for more formal, serious workplace relationships. 

• Thank you for everything you’ve shared, taught and contributed over the years.
• Your impact will be felt long after your last day.
• Wishing you happiness, fulfilment and well-earned rest in this next chapter.
• You’ve left behind a legacy to be proud of.
• Congratulations on a career filled with purpose and dedication.

Retirement Messages from Friends

These are warm, personal and celebratory – perfect to show your support for close loved ones. 

• So excited to see what adventures retirement brings you.
• Cheers to more time for the things you love most.
• You’ve worked hard – now it’s your turn to enjoy it.
• Here’s to long lunches, late mornings and new hobbies.
• Retirement looks good on you already. 

Retirement Messages from Family

Personal, proud and full of love – these are sure to tug on your family member’s heartstrings. 

• We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished
• Your hard work has meant so much to our family.
• Now it’s time to enjoy all the moments you’ve earned.
• Thank you for showing us what dedication looks like.
• We can’t wait to see you enjoy this next chapter.

Retirement Messages from Colleagues

These warm and appreciative messages are ideal for those colleagues you adore, but you’d rather not overwhelm with your brand of, uh, humour. (Hey, no judgement here, but there’s a time and a place!)

• It’s been a privilege working alongside you.
• Thank you for your guidance, support and teamwork.
• Your presence will be truly missed – but I know you have wonderful times ahead.
• Wishing you all the best in your well-deserved retirement.
• You’ve made a lasting mark on this team.

Retirement Messages from a Boss

Sending off your employee? Make sure you go for a respectful and appreciative tone. These hit the mark: 

• Thank you for your years of dedication and commitment.
• Your contribution has been invaluable to our organisation – you make us a team. 
• It’s been a pleasure to work with you and see your impact.
• Wishing you every happiness in retirement.
• You leave with our deepest thanks and respect.

Retirement Messages to a Boss from Employees

Grateful, reflective and sincere messages work well when you’re writing a retirement card for your boss – save the funny lines for your colleagues! 

• Thank you for your leadership and support over the years.
• We’ve learned so much from working with you and I hope I can become half as good a leader as you.
• Your guidance has shaped our growth and success.
• You’ll be greatly missed, the team won’t be the same without you! 
• Wishing you a retirement filled with joy and relaxation.

Retirement Messages for Teachers

From Parents

• Thank you for the care, patience and dedication you’ve shown our children.
• Your influence will be felt for years to come.
• We’re so grateful for the difference you’ve made.

From Students

• Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and making me want to come into class every day! 
• We’ll always remember your kindness and encouragement – thank you for giving me the confidence to speak up. 
• Congratulations on your retirement – after putting up with us, you deserve it!

When writing a retirement card, don’t overthink it. A few genuine words, whether funny or heartfelt, mean far more than the perfect sentence. If it sounds like you (not Hallmark!) and reflects how you feel, it’s exactly right.

And once you’ve written it, putting it into a shared card signed by everyone makes it even more meaningful – turning a goodbye into a keepsake they’ll treasure.

The Perfect Gift for Someone Who’s Retiring (Without Overthinking It)

You want something meaningful yet practical, without guessing hobbies, tastes or whether they really want another mug. (After decades of the same gifts, trust us, they don’t!) That’s where a group gift shines.  

With GroupTogether, creating a retirement group card and gift collection is simple. You can invite the whole team to add their messages in one place, collect contributions if you’d like to include a gift and deliver everything together in a gorgeous card. We take care of everything so you can enjoy customising your card and choosing the ultimate gift card. 

Why the AnyCard Is the Perfect Retirement Gift

Choosing what to give is often the hardest part – which is why flexibility wins. GroupTogether’s AnyCard lets the retiree choose exactly how they want to celebrate their next chapter.

Instead of locking them into one retailer or experience, the AnyCard gives access to hundreds of popular brands across shopping, dining, travel, entertainment and more. Whether they’re planning a getaway, picking up a new hobby or simply enjoying a long lunch on a Tuesday, they get to decide.

It’s thoughtful without being prescriptive, generous without being complicated – and it pairs perfectly with a group card filled with messages they can keep and revisit.  

Get your retirement group card sorted today – it’s as easy as a few clicks. 

Meet the experts

Melissa Evans

Content Writer, GroupTogether.

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether

Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!