Throughout life we celebrate some major milestones – your 18th birthday, meeting the love of your life, having children. Another biggie is that time when you decide to leave the working world and retire.
That’s right, it’s time to kick back and do all those things you’ve never got round to doing. Now you can think about taking up a new hobby, explore the world or spend more time with the grandkids. Sounds pretty good!
If you know somebody who is retiring soon, make this a time to celebrate. Take them out for a meal, buy them a fantastic present and of course don’t forget the card.
But hold on, now you need to write something in the card. What on earth are you going to say and how do you approach it? Don’t worry if you’re stuck on what to say, we’ve got some great retirement messages and wishes to get you started.
What To Write In A Retirement Card
When it comes to writing a retirement card there are a lot of emotions to convey in only a few shorts lines.
There are a few approaches you can take:
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Make it personal and fill the message with special memories from their career.
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You could be slightly cheeky. Remind them of a funny event from their working life or unusual habits they have (just make sure they’ll get the joke).
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Go for a message that celebrates all the big adventures they’ve got to look forward to.
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Or, combine all three.
Whatever the style of message, make sure you write something that is suited to their personality.
SEND A GIFT WITH YOUR RETIREMENT CARD
Retirement Messages For Colleagues
The retirement card comes round but you don’t really know the work colleague that well. What do you write?! Best to keep it simple but thoughtful. A few suggestions include:
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Enjoy your retirement. The office won’t be the same without you.
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Congratulations on retiring – we’re incredibly jealous.
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Congratulations! Now’s the time to kick back and have fun!
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You’re retiring – enjoy every single minute and plan those big adventures.
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Working life, that was only act one! Here’s to the next part! Happy retirement.
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Enjoy every moment and plan lots of adventures for this new stage in your life. Happy retirement!
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That’s right, you can now officially relax. Happy retirement!
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Best wishes as you embark on your new journey. Enjoy every second of your retirement.
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It’s finally here. Now enjoy your time as a retiree!
If it’s someone from your team who is retiring, then you can make the message much more personal (and a little bit fun). Remind them of a funny moment from your working life together and then finish with one of the following sentiments.
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Surely, it’s in your contract that you’re not allowed to leave us!
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Enjoy having lots of adventures in your retirement. We’re not going to lie; we are so jealous. Congratulations, you deserve it!
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Congratulations on your retirement! Remember, to drop in and see us occasionally, just so you can remind yourself what working life is all about!
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There’s a name for someone who is always happy on a Monday. You, now that you’re retired. Congratulations!
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Retirement is one big adventure waiting for you to discover. Enjoy!
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Congratulations on your retirement! Time for some big adventures. This place won't be the same without you. Miss you already!
What if your boss is retiring? Now’s the time to celebrate their big working milestones and the impact they’re had on your career.
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What are you going to do now? I won’t be there to make your coffee in the morning. Enjoy your retirement, we’ll miss you.
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We wouldn't be where we are today without you. Thank you for everything.
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I can't imagine working here without you! Thank you for all you've done for the team.
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You’re retiring! Having seen how hard you’ve worked for this team over the years, you deserve it. Congratulations and keep in touch.
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As our boss, you have been a true legend. We will miss you. Happy retirement.
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It is not every day that you get a boss who has been so supportive. Thank you for always being there. Happy retirement.
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A leader will always be a leader, even in retirement. Good luck to your wife/husband/partner who you will now start bossing around – they’re going to need it! Happy retirement.
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You’ve made it – no more getting up early, long meetings or daily commutes. Can we swap?
Retirement Messages For A Friend
Your best friend is retiring! Your message should reflect not only on those great stories in your life so far, but also the big adventures still to come. Here are some suggestions:
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We’ve talked about this day for so long and now it’s finally here. Take the leap and go have fun on all those adventures you’ve planned. Happy retirement.
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Let’s enjoy the next big adventure together.
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Wait, are you old enough to retire? Does that mean I am too? We’re going to have so much fun!
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Have fun in your retirement. Just don’t go too wild, at least not until I can join you!
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Definition of retirement – relax, entertain, travel (lots), indulge in your hobbies, read and most importantly enjoy!
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Congratulations! You beat me to retirement! I'll try my best to not hold a grudge.
Funny Retirement Messages
Sometimes the only way to say it is by being a little bit cheeky, as long as the situation is right. Messages could include:
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Hobbies are important when you retire. Please remember that wine doesn’t count!
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What do you call someone who is happy on Mondays, happy on Tuesdays, happy on Wednesdays, happy on Thursdays and happy on Fridays? Oh yes, retired. Enjoy your new life!
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You’ll always be young at heart – but maybe slightly older in other places. Congratulations on your retirement.
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Retirements should come with a warning. Now you think you know it all and have plenty of time to tell us all about it. Where are the earplugs!
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So, you’re about to become a grumpy old retiree. I don’t think we’ll notice the difference! Congratulations.
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Here’s a scary thought – you’re currently unsupervised! Watch out world, new retiree on the loose. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
Simple Retirement Messages
Sometimes we don’t need to say much at all, here are some simple but heartfelt retirement messages:
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Congratulations – here’s to a long, healthy and happy retirement.
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Time to relax and enjoy yourself. Happy retirement.
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Did you know, life begins at retirement. Enjoy!
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End of an era...Now for the next chapter.
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Life is an adventure, and this is your biggest one yet. Happy retirement.
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This is where it starts to get really good! Happy retirement.
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Time to retire – you’ve earned it. Enjoy!
Retirement Wishes
Sometimes you need to say something that really comes from the heart:
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You’ve retired. Now is the time to fill your days with new adventures, meaningful moments and complete happiness. Enjoy this wonderful time.
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Retirement is that amazing time in your life. You get to choose what you want to do, when you want to do it and how you want to do it. Enjoy!
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After climbing the mountain all these years, you can finally sit back and enjoy the view. You deserve it. Happy retirement.
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Now you’re retired it’s time to reflect on everything amazing that has happened in your life so far. Then it’s time to start a new adventure that’s just yours to grab hold of.
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Remember, when you think you’re at the end of something, in reality you’re just at the beginning of something more amazing. Happy retirement!
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You’ve retired. The world is now your unwritten novel just waiting for you to fill every page with your adventures.
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Happy retirement. Don’t think of this as the end, instead this is the start of a big adventure. You’re never too old to learn and grow. Happy retirement.
Of course, sometimes the experts say it best – use one of these inspirational quotes:
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I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself. – Walt Mossberg
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There's a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it 'retirement'. I call it bliss – Betty Sullivan
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Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it. - Gene Perret
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Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away! - Dr. Seuss
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Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different. - Patrick Foley
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Don't act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you have always been. - J.A. West
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In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln
Celebrate their retirement with a big bunch of blooms to make them smile.