Writing a retirement card should feel like a celebration, but it can also be tricky to strike the right tone. Do you go sentimental? Keep it professional? Make them laugh?
Whether you’re saying goodbye to a coworker, congratulating a friend, or honoring a family member, here are 40 thoughtful, funny, and respectful message ideas you can use or personalize for a retirement card.
General Retirement Wishes 🎉
- Congratulations on your retirement — enjoy every second!
- Wishing you a relaxing and rewarding new chapter.
- You’ve earned this time — now enjoy it fully!
- Here’s to sleeping in, slow mornings, and freedom.
- You’ve worked hard — now it’s time to play harder.
- May every day feel like Saturday.
- Cheers to all the things you now don’t have to do.
- Hoping your retirement is as amazing as your career was.
- Wishing you happiness, health, and new adventures.
- You’re off the clock — permanently!
Funny Retirement Messages 😂
- No more meetings… unless it’s lunch with friends!
- Retirement: where every hour is happy hour.
- Time to trade deadlines for fishing lines.
- Hope your alarm clock enjoys its retirement too!
- Goodbye boss, hello naps.
- You’re now your own boss — good luck with that.
- Don’t forget us when you’re not working 9–5.
- Your “out of office” is now forever.
- Retirement: it’s like a long weekend… every day.
- You survived work — now enjoy freedom!
Heartfelt Retirement Messages 💬
- It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who’s made such a difference.
- Your impact here won’t be forgotten.
- Your dedication, kindness, and wisdom will truly be missed.
- Thank you for all the ways you’ve helped and inspired others.
- Wishing you peace, rest, and new joy in this next chapter.
- You’ve left big shoes to fill.
- You’ll always be a part of this place — even after you leave.
- Your presence brought out the best in us. Thank you.
- Here’s to a beautiful legacy and an even brighter future.
- You made work better — and that’s no small thing.
Retirement Wishes for Coworkers or Bosses 👔
- Working with you has been a privilege.
- Your leadership and mentorship will be missed.
- Wishing you continued success in whatever you choose next.
- You’ve earned our respect — and now your freedom.
- May retirement bring you more time for everything you love.
- Thank you for everything you’ve contributed — you’ll be missed.
- The office won’t be the same without you.
- You leave behind more than a job well done — you leave a legacy.
- It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you.
- Hope retirement is everything you’ve dreamed of — and more.
Retirement Messages for Friends or Family 👨👩👧
- Watching you reach this milestone fills me with pride.
- You’ve worked so hard — now it’s time to relax and enjoy.
- Can’t wait to see where this next phase takes you.
- You’re finally free — let’s celebrate!
- I hope retirement brings you joy, adventure, and lots of family time.
- So proud of everything you’ve accomplished.
- This is just the start of your best chapter yet.
- Enjoy the slower pace — you’ve earned it.
- You make retirement look good.
- Let’s make sure you’re busier now… with fun things only!
✉️ Example Card Message:
Dear James,
Watching you reach this milestone fills me with pride. You’ve worked so hard — now it’s time to relax and enjoy.
Keep chasing your dreams,
– Ann
Final Thoughts 💭
Writing a retirement card isn’t just about saying goodbye — it’s about honoring someone’s journey and celebrating what’s ahead. Whether your message is funny, heartfelt, or professional, it will mean more than you think.
Feel free to copy any of these, or mix and match to make your own. The most important thing? That it comes from the heart.