What to write in a retirement card

Knowing what to write in a retirement card can be tricky! Not only is leaving the world of work a big life change, but it can also bring with it a wide range of emotions, from excitement to sadness.

Capturing all this in a retirement card message is not easy, but with our guide, you'll be able to find the perfect sentiment for any friend, colleague or family member who's starting their new life as a retiree.

Wish them all the best for their next adventure with a sweet, thoughtful or funny message that they're sure to treasure. Here are 37 retirement card messages for you to use as they are or make your own…

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What to write in a retirement card

There are so many ways to congratulate someone on their retirement, it can be hard to know where to begin!

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We've sorted our ideas for what to write in a retirement card into timeless greetings, funny sayings and messages for a colleague or coworker.

Retirement card messages

Wish them all the best with a sweet and simple sentiment. These classic retirement card messages are easy to personalise.

• The adventure starts here! Congratulations on your retirement.
• It's the weekend, forever! Happy retirement, [insert name].
• Do what makes you happy! Enjoy your retirement, [insert name].
• Put your feet up, relax, and enjoy your retirement.
• It's the end of an era… Enjoy your next adventure!
• Happy retirement, [insert name]. Wishing you all the best for the future.
• Ready for a new start… Have a wonderful retirement!
• It's time to spend your days doing what you love. Happy retirement.
• You're a [insert eg. lady/gentleman/person] of leisure! Congratulations, [insert name].
• It's time for a rest! Sit back and enjoy your retirement.
• I can't believe you're retiring! Enjoy every moment.
• Here's to new beginnings. Have a wonderful time in your retirement.
• Your golden years have arrived. Congratulations on your retirement.
• What an amazing journey! Wishing you all the best as you take your next steps.
• Wishing you good health and happiness in your retirement.
• Happy retirement, [insert name]. Relax and take it easy.

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Retirement card message for coworker

There's a card being passed around the office and you're not sure what to write… don't worry, we can help! Here are some ideas for a thoughtful retirement card message for coworkers and colleagues.

• You made it! Congratulations on a brilliant career and wishing you all the best for your retirement.
• Thanks for being a wonderful colleague and friend. Happy retirement.
• All the best to you and your family. Have a wonderful retirement.
• It's been a pleasure working with you! Best wishes for your retirement.
• You'll be missed! Congratulations on your retirement.
• The office won't be the same without you! Happy retirement, [insert name].
• It's the end of an era… I'll miss our [insert eg meetings, chats in the break room etc].
• What will we do without you? Have a relaxing retirement, [insert name].
• Thanks for all your hard work. Now it's time for a rest! Happy retirement.
• Thanks for your dedication to the team – we'll miss you. Best wishes on your retirement.
• We'll miss you in the office! Enjoy your retirement.

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Funny retirement card messages

Want to make them smile? Celebrate their escape from the office with a funny work-related saying.

• Hooray for the seven-day weekend! Enjoy your retirement.
• No more meetings! Have a great retirement.
• Congratulations on your great escape! Happy retirement.
• Say goodbye to the 9 to 5 and hello to the permanent weekend!
• What do you call a person who looks forward to Monday mornings? Retired.
• Switch off your alarm clock – you're retired now!
• No more work ever! (Not that I'm jealous.) Enjoy your leisure time.
• Goodbye office, hello bus pass! Have a great retirement.
• Every day is a Saturday when you're retired. Enjoy every minute!
• The problem with retirement is there's no days off. Take it easy [insert name].

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Retirement cards to buy

Need help choosing a card? We've picked five of our favourite retirement cards for you to buy today.

New beginnings card

Celebrate a new start with this uplifting retirement card from Coulson Macleod. The simple black-and-white text gives a sleek, sophisticated look, and the card is blank inside so you can add your own message.

• Buy the new beginnings card from Not on the High Street

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Otter retirement card

…aaaand relax. Wish someone a restful retirement with this sweet card by Louise Mulgrew Designs. We love Louise's cute animal-themed creations and can't resist this adorable otter!

• Buy the otter retirement card from John Lewis

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Floral retirement card

For anyone who'll be spending their retirement pottering in the garden, a floral card is a must. This pretty one by Kali Stileman features a bounty of blooms and a simple message.

• Buy the floral retirement card from Not on the High Street

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Retired banner card

Perfect for a coworker, this large banner card from Coulson Macleod has space for lots of messages, and would make a lovely keepsake of their last day at work. It measures nearly 70cm wide when unfolded.

• Buy the retired banner card from Etsy

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Adventure retirement card

Wish them well on their next adventure with this bold and bright travel-themed card. The text in the bottom right of Lisa Marie Designs' card can be personalised, so you can add your own special message.

• Buy the adventure retirement card from Not on the High Street

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Discover what to write in a retirement card

Celebrate new beginnings with a retirement card message that's as special as they are. With a variety of classic, sentimental and funny messages to choose from, we can help you pick the best one for your card – and don't forget to personalise it too!

Show them you care with Gathered

Want to make your loved ones laugh or bring tears to their eyes? Craft the perfect message every time with our guide on what to write in a card for any occasion.