48 heartfelt retirement wishes for every relationship in your life
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Not sure what to write in a retirement card? Find the perfect retirement wishes for a boss, colleague, friend, or family member that are heartfelt and memorable.
Retirement is a major milestone that comes with so many emotions — joy, nostalgia, excitement, and maybe even a touch of uncertainty. After decades of work, the daily grind is replaced with endless leisure time, which may feel exhilarating but also a little overwhelming.
Whether a retiree is planning a big trip or just looking forward to sleeping past 6am for once, a thoughtful message—in a card, a speech, or even a well-timed text—can make the transition all the more special.
Of course, crafting that note is easier said than done. You want to say something meaningful and personal but not overly sentimental. Maybe you want to add a little humor, but you don’t want the person to cringe when they read it. There’s a lot of pressure — but luckily, we can help.
From heartfelt and sincere to funny and lighthearted, here are the best retirement wishes for every important person in your life.
Retirement wishes for your boss
Writing a retirement message for your boss can be complicated. You want to strike that perfect balance — respectful but not overly formal, warm but not over-the-top. Whether they were the kind of manager who led with wisdom and inspiration or the rare gem who actually made work fun, retirement is a huge moment for them.
This is your chance to say thank you for their leadership, acknowledge their impact, and send them off in style. Here are some ideas.
Sincere and appreciative
If your boss has been a guiding force in your career or a positive presence in the workplace, a heartfelt message can go a long way.
“Congratulations on your retirement! Your leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact, and we’re all grateful for the wisdom and guidance you’ve shared. Wishing you joy, adventure, and well-earned relaxation in this next chapter!”
“Your vision and support have shaped not just this company but also so many careers, mine included. While we’ll miss your leadership, we’re so excited for you to enjoy this new season of life. Wishing you all the happiness retirement has to offer!”
“It’s hard to imagine this place without you, but if anyone deserves a long, joyful retirement, it’s you. Thank you for everything! You’ve set the bar high, and we’re better for having worked under your leadership!”
Lighthearted and fun
If your boss had a great sense of humor (or at least tolerated yours), a playful message might be just the thing.
“Retirement: the promotion with no responsibilities and all the perks. Wishing you leisurely mornings, long lunches, and (finally!) a Monday without meetings!”
“You’ve spent years making deadlines, leading meetings, and keeping things running smoothly. Now your only job is to enjoy yourself, and maybe send us a postcard from wherever you’re headed next!”
“You were the glue that held this place together, and now you’ll be holding a cocktail on the beach instead. Enjoy every second of it!”
Short and sweet
Need something simple but meaningful? These quick messages still pack a punch.
“Wishing you endless joy and relaxation in your retirement. You’ve earned it!”
“Congratulations! Your impact here will last long after you’ve left, and we’re grateful for all you’ve done. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!”
“May retirement bring you all the happiness in the world. Thank you for everything!”
Retirement wishes for your colleague
Saying goodbye to a colleague can be surprisingly emotional, especially if they’ve been your go-to work buddy, mentor, or the person who always covered for you. Their retirement marks the end of an era.
The best retirement messages for a colleague should reflect the role they played in your work life — whether they were a professional inspiration, a close friend, or simply someone who made the 9-to-5 a little more bearable. Here’s how to craft a message that’s meaningful and memorable.
Heartfelt and warm
If your colleague has been a mentor, teammate, or just an all-around great person to work with, let them know how much they’ll be missed.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you. Your kindness, dedication, and humor made every workday better. While we’ll miss you, we know retirement is going to be an exciting new adventure for you. Enjoy every moment!”
“You’ve been more than just a coworker. You’ve been a friend, a mentor, and a true team player. Wishing you all the joy and relaxation that retirement has to offer.”
“I’m so happy you’re heading into this next chapter, but work won’t be the same without you. Enjoy your well-earned retirement, and stay in touch!”
Playful and witty
If your relationship was built on office banter and inside jokes, a lighthearted message might be the way to go.
“Congratulations! You’ve finally achieved what we all dream of: permanent out-of-office status!”
“No more meetings, no more emails, no more pretending to look busy when the boss walks by. Retirement looks good on you already!”
“Who am I supposed to complain about work with now?! Wishing you endless relaxation, adventure, and, of course, long coffee breaks!”
Acknowledging their impact
Some colleagues go above and beyond and feel integral to the office. If that sounds like your retiree, express your gratitude for all they’ve done.
“Your hard work and positivity have made such a difference here. It won’t be the same without you, but your legacy will live on in the lessons you’ve shared. Wishing you all the happiness in the world!”
“You’ve been such an important part of this team, and your contributions won’t be forgotten. Wishing you a retirement filled with laughter, relaxation, and well-deserved happiness!”
“Your mentorship, support, and friendship have meant so much to all of us. We’ll miss you, but we’re so excited for all that lies ahead for you!”
Short and sweet
Just need a quick but meaningful message? Try one of these.
“Wishing you a retirement filled with happiness and adventure. You deserve it!”
“It’s been a joy working with you. Congratulations, and best wishes on your retirement!”
“Retirement is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Enjoy every second!”
💙 We spend a lot of time at work, and it’s nice to feel like those hours are well spent. This session on Uncovering Purpose at Work can help you bring more meaning to your job, no matter what it is — or who’s there with you.
Retirement wishes for your friend
When a friend retires, you’ll want to mark the milestone in a thoughtful way. Maybe they’re counting down the days, or perhaps they’re a little nervous — either way, your message should reflect your excitement for them. This is your chance to celebrate everything they’ve accomplished and remind them that the best is yet to come.
Warm and encouraging
Retirement is a fresh start. Be sure to remind them how exciting it’s going to be.
“Cheers to you and this exciting new chapter! May your days be filled with all the things you love most. You’ve worked hard for this. Enjoy!”
“Retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s the beginning of the best journey yet! Wishing you endless happiness, new experiences, and plenty of time to do what makes your heart happy.”
“You’ve spent your whole career working for others. Now, it’s time to focus on you. Wishing you a retirement filled with laughter, relaxation, and maybe a few spontaneous road trips!”
Funny and lighthearted
If your friendship is built on humor (and a shared understanding that work is exhausting), go for a message that will make them laugh.
“Now that you’re retired, I expect you to finally return my calls in the middle of the day. Wishing you endless naps and zero alarm clocks!”
“You’ve officially entered the ‘I don’t have to work’ club. Membership includes sleeping in, long coffee breaks, and the freedom to say no to anything you don’t feel like doing. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations on escaping the 9-to-5! May your retirement be filled with endless joy and never having to ‘circle back’ with anyone again!”
Reminding them of your friendship
Retirement doesn’t mean losing touch. It means more time for the good stuff, including your friendship.
“Now that you’re retired, I expect us to see even more of each other (out of the break room, of course). Get ready for the best chapter yet!”
“Work may be over, but the real fun is just beginning. Can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do in this next phase of life!”
“Retirement means no excuses! Looking forward to mid-afternoon movie dates now that you’re free!”
Short and sweet
“Wishing you all the happiness that retirement has to offer!”
“Retirement looks good on you already. Enjoy every second!”
“Time to trade in deadlines for travel plans! Wishing you an amazing retirement!”
💙 Learn to strengthen your connections with everyone in your life by listening to Tamara Levitt’s Relationship with Others series.
Retirement wishes for your family member
Retirement hits differently when it’s a family member. You’ve seen firsthand the dedication, sacrifices, and long hours they’ve put in, and now it’s time to celebrate their well-earned freedom.
Whatever retirement looks like, your message should reflect admiration for all they’ve accomplished and excitement for what’s ahead.
Meaningful and sentimental
A heartfelt message can show how much you care.
“I’ve always looked up to you, not just for how hard you’ve worked, but for the way you’ve done it with dedication and grace. You deserve every moment of joy that retirement has to offer. Congratulations!”
“Watching you reach this milestone is so inspiring. You’ve spent years working hard, and you deserve to enjoy every single second of this next chapter. I couldn’t be happier for you!”
“Your career has been filled with achievements, and your retirement should be filled with everything you love most. Wishing you a million new adventures!”
Humorous and fun
If your family bond includes plenty of teasing, a lighthearted message might be more fitting.
“You’ve officially traded in business meetings for morning coffee in your pajamas. Retirement looks great on you!”
“After all these years, I think you’ve earned the right to nap whenever you want. Enjoy it!”
“I’m so happy for you! The only downside is that now that you're retired, you can’t use work as an excuse to head home early from one of our crazy family dinners! Congratulations!”
For a parent
If your mom or dad is retiring, this is a huge moment — not just for them but for the whole family. Acknowledge their hard work and remind them that retirement is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
“Mom/Dad, you’ve spent so many years working hard for everyone else. Now it’s your time. Wishing you endless relaxation, joy, and well-earned peace in retirement!”
“You’ve been an incredible role model in so many ways, and I couldn’t be prouder of all you’ve accomplished. Wishing you the happiest retirement filled with everything you love most!”
“So excited that you can finally put yourself first more often. You deserve all the happiness and adventure coming your way!”
For a sibling
Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. It just means more time for the good stuff. If your sibling is retiring, let them know you’re excited for what’s next.
“You’ve worked so hard for this moment, and now it’s finally here! Wishing you a retirement filled with fun, adventure, and maybe a little bit of mischief (just like the old days)!”
“Retirement means no more excuses. You finally have time to do all those things we always talked about. Let’s start planning!”
“You’ve earned this! Now get out there and enjoy retirement, because if anyone deserves it, it’s you.”
Short and sweet
Need a simple yet meaningful message? Try one of these.
“Wishing you a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and everything you love most!”
“Time to enjoy the best years yet. Happy retirement!”
“Congratulations! You’ve worked hard for this; now go and enjoy every second.”
Retirement wishes FAQs
What should I write in a retirement card?
The best retirement message is one that feels genuine. Think about your relationship with the retiree — were they a mentor, a work friend, a family member?
Start by acknowledging their hard work and contributions, whether to the workplace, field, or family. A little bit of appreciation goes a long way.
Then, shift the focus to their future, offering warm wishes for relaxation, adventure, or whatever they’re looking forward to in retirement. If it’s appropriate, don’t be afraid to add a playful touch — just make sure it’s in line with their personality.
Ultimately, your goal is to make them feel celebrated, valued, and excited about what’s next.
What are some funny retirement wishes?
A good retirement joke should celebrate the retiree’s newfound freedom while gently poking fun at the realities of no longer working.
You can play with the idea of unlimited relaxation, the joys of sleeping in, or the fact that they no longer have to deal with emails, meetings, or rush-hour traffic. Some lighthearted messages include:
“Congratulations! I know we’re ‘aligned’ that retirement is an ‘organic fit’ for you. No need to ‘circle back’ on it!
“Retirement: where every day is Saturday, and pants are optional.”
“You’ve spent years working — now it’s time to master the art of doing absolutely nothing. Enjoy!”
Of course, humor is personal, so if they’re someone who enjoys a good laugh, go for it! But if they’re feeling a little unsure about retirement, something more encouraging might be the better route.
Should I mention future plans in a retirement wish?
If you know they have specific plans—like traveling, taking up a hobby, or spending more time with family—mentioning it can make your message feel more personal and thoughtful.
Saying something like, “Wishing you an amazing time on all those trips you’ve been planning!” or “Can’t wait to hear about all your new adventures!” acknowledges their excitement and shows that you’re invested in what comes next for them.
If they haven’t shared any plans or seem unsure, you can keep it open-ended with something like, “Whatever this next chapter holds, I hope it’s filled with joy, relaxation, and everything that makes you happy!”
How do you congratulate someone on retirement?
A simple “Congratulations on your retirement!” is a great start, but adding a personal touch makes it even more meaningful. If they were a hardworking and dedicated professional, acknowledge their accomplishments. If they’re a friend or family member, let them know how much you admire them.
A great message might sound like, “Congratulations on an incredible career! You’ve made such an impact, and now it’s time to enjoy the rewards of all your hard work.”
If they’re looking forward to specific retirement plans, you can also add, “Wishing you all the joy and relaxation in the world — can’t wait to see where retirement takes you!”
What is a nice retirement quote?
A well-chosen quote can add depth to your message, whether you’re writing a card, giving a toast, or just looking for inspiration. You might want to consider:
“Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.” — Unknown
“Don’t act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you have always been.” — J.A. West
“The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.” — Abe Lemons
If you want to keep things more personal, you can always modify a quote to fit your message. Something as simple as, “Retirement isn’t about slowing down. It’s about finally having time for what matters most. Wishing you all the happiness in the world!” can have the same impact but may feel more like you.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
