What to write on a retirement card?

Retirement is a bittersweet event that comes with a mix of emotions, from excitement, uncertainty, to tears. The next phase is not just a reflection of where they have come from, but also time to spend time with people they love and doing things they have desired. Writing a retirement card is a good opportunity to make the recipient appreciate the past and look forward to the future.

When writing a retirement card, you can include different types of messages from congratulatory statements, special memories, good wishes for the future, and highlights of their achievements throughout their long career. Regardless of your relationship with the retiree, you should maintain positivity when writing the retirement card.

5 Things to Write in a Retirement Card

If you have a co-worker, friend, or family member who is retiring, here are some ideas on what to write on the retirement card:

Congratulatory statement

You should acknowledge the retiree on the milestones they have achieved so far. Appreciate the impressive career they have had and the contributions they have made to the industry.

If your boss is retiring, you can acknowledge the effort they made in changing the workplace and for being a great mentor. If a family member is retiring, compliment them on their successful career, achievements, and how proud you are.

However, before sending the congratulatory messages, you should understand the reason for their retirement. Some retirees may be forced to retire due to health complications, layoff, or other reasons other than attaining the required retirement age.

Mention their best characteristic

If there is a characteristic that has stood out during the retiree’s career, you should mention it in the retirement card. Characteristics like punctuality, dedication to work, integrity, and honesty are admirable, and the retiree will be happy to know that you appreciate their work ethics.  

Share favorite memories

You can use the retirement card to reflect on favorite or funny memories that you shared with the retiree. You can mention a workplace memory or achievements from their career or a life event that impacted you positively. If the person is an old colleague, you can share details of the morning coffee you shared or the place you went for lunch together.

As you decide what memories to mention in the retirement card, you should remember that the person will likely keep the card as a memory of the time spent in their career. You can write the funny embarrassing moments you shared, and go to the specific details of your experiences with them.

Wish them well in their next journey/challenge

After highlighting their past achievements and memories, you should write words that address the future. Retirement marks the close of one chapter and the start of a new chapter, and you should wish them well on their next journey.

If you know what the retiree has planned in their next challenge, you can mention this in the retirement card. For example, a retiree might be planning to start a business, relocate to a new state/town, take a cruise around the world, or even spend time with family.

If you aren’t certain what they have planned next, use general phrases like “best wishes on your next path.”

Be positive

Retirement is an emotional time, and you should stay positive when writing the retirement card. Avoid writing things that may be inappropriate for the recipient. For example, questions about the person's health or the number of years left to live may appear negative and should be avoided. However, it is okay to let them know they will be missed, and a gentle nudge may also be appropriate.

Retirement Card Messages

When writing a retirement card, there are some messages that you can use to convey your feelings. Here are some messages that you can include in the retirement card:

Retirement messages for co-worker

If your co-worker is retiring, let them know that you enjoyed working with them. Here are some retirement wishes you can share with them:

• Cheers to one of my favorite colleagues at the office. Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement!
• A colleague like you is irreplaceable. I am sad to see you go, but I am wishing you well in your retirement!
• Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you happy days with your family and friends.

Retirement messages for family member or friend

If you have a family member or close friend who is retiring, here are some ideas to include in the retirement card:

• Happy retirement, papa! Now you have more free time to do the things you love.  
• Congratulations on your retirement! When you get bored, I am a phone call away.
• Cheers to a happy retirement, when every day is the weekend!
• Congratulations on your retirement, Grandpa/Grandma. Don’t forget to spend the extra time with us. All of us are excited to spend more time with you.

Funny retirement messages

If you know the person well and they know it, you can write humorous messages on their retirement card. Here are some ideas.

• Ready to say “goodbye tension, hello pension?”! Congratulations on your retirement.
• Are you sure you are old enough to retire? I doubt. Happy retirement!
• Happy retirement! Time to enjoy your new freedom to nap, read the paper, and take extended coffee breaks.
• Cheers to everlasting vacations! Happy retirement.
• Someone say senior discounts! Enjoy your newfound benefits of retirement