Leaving Messages for a Colleague Changing Jobs — 60 Lines (UK)

The colleague changing jobs: what the card should say

A colleague leaving for a new job is the most common leaving card occasion in British offices, and paradoxically the hardest to write well because it's so common. The temptation is to reach for stock phrases — "wishing you all the best in your new role" — that are technically correct and completely unmemorable. These 60 messages do better.

For a colleague moving to a clear step up

• A promotion-shaped move dressed up as a job change. We're not surprised — anyone who has worked with you closely knew this was coming. Congratulations on landing it. Go and show them what you're actually capable of at the next level.
• Congratulations on the new role! The career trajectory was always going to look like this — upwards, consistently, with the ability matching the ambition every step of the way. Well done.
• This is the right move at the right time and you know it. We'll miss you, and we'll be following your career with the certain knowledge that the next chapter will be excellent. Congratulations.

For a colleague who has stayed a long time

• Five years, seven years, a decade — and now a new chapter. Thank you for everything you've given this team across that time. The contribution is significant and the departure is felt. Congratulations on what's next.
• You've been here longer than most of the furniture and considerably more valuable. Thank you for everything. Go and be brilliant at the new place — which I have no doubt you will be.

For someone leaving after a short time

• It was brief but it was good. You made an impression in the time you were here — which is more than a lot of people manage. Best of luck in your next role. I hope it's everything this one wasn't quite.
• The time went quickly and the mark you made didn't. Best of luck in your next role — please stay in touch.

For a colleague who is clearly relieved to be leaving

• Finally finding somewhere that's the right fit. We understand completely and we wish you absolutely nothing but the best. Go well.
• New job, new start, and the evident relief of having made the decision. We don't blame you. We might envy you slightly. Congratulations — you're going to be great.

For a work friend leaving

• The job is losing you. I'm just losing my favourite person to complain to and celebrate with and have lunch with and generally make the week more bearable. It's fine. I'm fine. Congratulations. Stay in touch.
• I'll miss you enormously and I'm incredibly pleased for you — both things are true and I refuse to choose between them. Congratulations on the new role. This isn't goodbye, it's a change in terms.

Short messages for the margin

• On to bigger and better things — congratulations.
• New job, well deserved. Best of luck!
• The new place is gaining something excellent. Well done and goodbye (for now).
• Congratulations on your next chapter. We'll miss you.
• Off to pastures new. Rightly so. Congratulations!

Make every message count

An online leaving card from Thankeeu gives every colleague their own full space — no cramped margins, no generic stock phrases, just what people actually want to say. Create one here in two minutes.