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.
