Leaving Card Messages: What to Write

We’ve all been there – another leaving card gets passed around the office, and the pressure’s on to write something thoughtful, funny or original. But somehow, you end up scribbling “all the best” again. Yawn!

If you’re bored of recycling the same old “sorry you’re leaving” sentiment and want to write something they’ll actually enjoy reading, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve rounded up a mix of unique, heartfelt and hilarious leaving card messages, so you can ditch the clichés and sound like you actually give a funk!

Jump to: Funny Leaving Messages  |  Leaving Messages for Colleagues  | Thoughtful Leaving Messages |  Rude Leaving Messages  |  Bon Voyage Messages

Funny Leaving Card Wishes

If you know your soon‑to‑be ex‑colleague well enough to match their sense of humour, you can ditch the sad pleasantries and go straight for something funny. After all, a laugh is far more memorable than a generic “good luck”. Keep them giggling as they head out the door with these funny leaving card message ideas.

1. Sorry to hear you’re leaving, I’ve only just come to regard you as “someone I’ve met”.
2. You don’t know who I am, but I contributed to your leaving fund anyway.
3. Happy birthday, have a good one.
4. We’ve already celebrated you leaving, but didn’t invite you – we didn’t think nights out were your sort of thing.
5. I don’t know who you are, but good luck anyway.
6. You’ll be back…
7. Goodbye, I’ll miss our awkward conversations about the weather.
8. Please don’t leave me alone with these people.
9. I’ll never forget you [insert wrong name].
10. Some of us are really going to miss you!
11. You’re leaving? I never liked you anyway.
12. Don’t be a stranger. Or do. Either way, best of luck.
13. Best of luck in your new role. May your new colleagues be only slightly less annoying than us.
14. Good luck in your next job. Statistically, it has to be better than this one.
15. Thanks to you, there’ll be one less person in the office to slow down the Wi-Fi.

Funny Leaving Messages for Colleagues

Things just won’t be the same without your work bestie. So, if you’re saying goodbye, why not add a funny message or an in-joke to remind them how much they’ll be missed? Here are a few of our favourites…

1. Leaving? Didn’t know you’d started.
2. I’ve worked with many people and I can honestly say you were one of them.
3. I heard you’re being replaced by a water cooler…
4. I can’t wait to steal your desk. I mean, sorry you’re leaving… good luck for the future.
5. Congratulations on your new job that you probably won’t like any better.
6. We’re all going to really miss doing your work for you.
7. Good luck finding better co-workers than us in your new job!
8. I don’t care what everyone else says, I liked working with you.
9. Let’s hope your replacement actually does your job properly!
10. All the best for the future. Can I have your chair?
11. This is not goodbye. I will still be watching you outside office hours.
12. I’ll miss you… but not as much as I’ll miss the snacks you brought in.
13. Goodbye! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your legacy lives on… mostly by not replying to emails.
14. Sorry to see you go – who’s going to dodge the tea rounds now?
15. Consider this your official notice of removal from the work WhatsApp group. Goodbye and good luck!

Thoughtful Leaving Messages

Whether you’ve been desk neighbours for years or have only met a handful of times, sometimes less is more. Say thanks, wish them well, and let them know they’ll be missed with these simple but heartfelt ideas.

1. I’ve learned a lot working with you these past few years. I know you’ll be successful in your new position. Thank you and goodbye!
2. I’ve really enjoyed working with you. Good luck at your new job.
3. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter of your career. Congratulations and good luck!
4. Sorry you’re leaving. It was great working with you – all the best for the future.
5. All the best for the future and good luck with your new chapter – keep in touch.
6. Good luck with everything ahead, and I hope our paths cross again.
7. It’s been wonderful working alongside you. Wishing you every success in your new role.
8. I’m grateful for the time we’ve worked together. Wishing you all the best in what comes next.

Rude and Offensive Leaving Messages

Some work friendships thrive on teasing, sarcasm and the odd bit of cruelty! If that sounds like yours, these rude and offensive leaving card messages will let them know exactly what you think of them… in the funniest way possible!

1. Off to pastures new? Just remember, there’s crap in every field…
2. Sorry you’re leaving. We had some great times… while you were out.
3. I’d like to say it’s been nice working with you, but that would suggest you’ve actually done some work.
4. I’m sorry to see the back of you – but it’s better than the front!
5. You will be remembered.
6. I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll make an exception.
7. All the best for the future, and I hope that rash clears up soon.
8. We are really going to miss trying to avoid you around here.
9. I’d like to say I’ve enjoyed working with you… all the best.
10. Good luck at your new job! May your bathroom breaks there be just as… productive.

Bon Voyage Messages

If they’re off on their travels (and leaving you behind!), wish them well and send them good luck on their big adventure with a bon voyage card. Here are our top message ideas to include in their card if they’re going to see the world.

1. Bon voyage …. I look forward to stalking your adventures on Facebook.
2. Take me with you!
3. I’ll miss you until you come back, you better make up for leaving by getting me awesome gifts. Happy travels!
4. Don’t worry, we’ll be having tons of fun here in the office while you’re off travelling. I bet you’ll be well jealous…
5. The office won’t be the same without you while you’re away… we might actually get some work done!
6. Have fun horrifying the locals!
7. Enjoy every minute of your adventure… just don’t forget us little people back at the office!
8. Have an amazing trip! Just remember, we expect souvenirs… or at least a few embarrassing stories.

Feeling inspired? Whether it’s a leaving card for a colleague you’re close to or someone you barely know, our ideas should help you pen the perfect message. But why stop there?

Make sure they leave feeling appreciated for all they’ve done with the perfect good luck or leaving gift, and be sure to explore our travel gifts for those heading off on life-changing adventures and sabbaticals!