Words For Someone Retiring From Work


Top 10 Retirement Words

How do you imagine your retirement? What words come to mind? In a 2022 study, researchers asked these same questions to get a feel for how participants imagined their life in retirement.

Here are the ten most popular words used to describe retirement, and what you can think about and plan as you approach retirement:

ā€¢ Relax. This doesnā€™t surprise me. When weā€™ve had a bad day of work and weā€™re driving home, what do we wish for? We just want to relax. Relaxation is often the quintessential word we equate to retirement. While de-stressing and relaxing is positive and often needed, what Iā€™ve seen in my retirement financial planning firm is that a little can go a long way. Too much ā€œrelaxingā€ becomes counterproductive and can lead to boredom and malaise. Before you enter retirement, imagine both how you will relax but also how you can remain active and engaged. What hobbies do you have or can you start that will give you purpose and meaning? One of my clients worked seven days a week for several decades. After he sold his company and retired, he needed a new passion. For him, it was training for and completing Ironman Triathlons! Not exactly what most people would consider to be relaxing, but for him it was the perfect fit. Enjoy your time off, but find your new passion.

ā€¢ Happy. We all want to be happy, of course. Itā€™s nice to see that even though many Americans are underfunded for retirement, they still envision a happy retirement. Money doesnā€™t buy happiness ā€“ weā€™ve heard that all too often ā€“ but I would argue that without a baseline of income, itā€™s hard to be happy. If you havenā€™t saved enough and you are still a few years away from your desired retirement age, this is your window and now is the time to save as much as you can. Happiness, at least how many of my clients define it, is having peace of mind and financial security. It can also help with the third most popular wordā€¦

ā€¢ Travel. Of course ā€œtravelā€ was going to make the list! Travel and retirement go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you are like most Americans and want to travel more when you retire, there a few things to consider. If you are going to be away from your home for longer periods, consider renting it to earn money to partially offset the cost of your travel. You could also consider doing a ā€œhouse swapā€ with someone in an area you want to visit. Iā€™ve known people who have done this with great success. You also need to think about your health. If you envision gallivanting all over the world, youā€™ll want to feel good and have energy. This means thinking about your health now, before you retire. Iā€™ve had clients get into the best shape of their lives as they approach retirement because they wanted to feel vibrant and ready to tackle the next phase of their life.

ā€¢ Retirement. Not much to say about this responseā€¦

ā€¢ Family. Having more time to do the things that matter most to you is the hallmark of retirement. Most pre-retirees envision using some of this newfound time with their family. What issues should you be aware of as you approach retirement? Based on my work with retirees over the last two decades, Iā€™ve found that family can be an immense source of joy ā€“ family trips, spending time with grand-kids, and just being more available. Family can also increase expenses. If you have kids or grand-kids that canā€™t afford to join you on a family vacation, will you pay their way? After a layoff, will you invite your kids to move back in? These are real examples Iā€™ve seen with my clients. Without proper planning, these are the kind of events that can financially derail a retirement plan. Itā€™s human nature to want to help family, but sometimes helping can hurt. Run the numbers yourself or work with your retirement financial advisor to see just how much help you can provide without it impacting your own security.

ā€¢ Fun. Who doesnā€™t hope to have a little fun in retirement? Youā€™ve worked hard for three or four decades so why not have some fun. But sometimes when I ask pre-retirees what they will do to have fun, I get a blank stare. What does it mean to you to have fun? Fun doesnā€™t just happen. You need to create an environment for fun to exist. Be as specific as you can and try to determine what fun looks like so you can pepper in activities in retirement that make you happy.

ā€¢ Success. I suspect that success here is some combination of financial and personal success. Just like ā€œfunā€ from above, success doesnā€™t just happen. Here is a question I like to use: ā€œImagine you are three years into your retirement and you tell me your retirement has been a success. What had to have happened over those three years for you to say that to me?ā€ Itā€™s easy for time to slip by and for you to wake up and have a decade of your retirement gone. What makes a retirement successful is forethought and a strategy. We all define success, and certainly retirement success, differently. The onus is on you to discover what retirement success means to you. Iā€™ve found that those who get clear on this before retirement have a much better transition into this phase of their lives.

ā€¢ Freedom. When your boss demands a project be completed over the weekend or when you are stuck in traffic on the way home from the office, the promise of freedom must ring loud. Retirement freedom can be an amazing outcome ā€“ it can give you the time and space to do the things you really want and that give you meaning. Freedom can also create tension, uncertainty and boredom. Why? Before retirement, we have a schedule and a purpose to our day ā€“ we get up at the same time, get ready, drive to the office, have people and/or projects for which we are responsible, and have co-workers with whom we interact. Once you retire, the predictability and purpose of the day goes away. Once retired, it is up to you to create a new schedule and vision for how you will use this new time and freedom. Donā€™t feel like you need to have your day blocked out from morning until night, and donā€™t feel like you need to have all the answers before you retire. Sometimes it takes a few months into retirement to get a feel for it. However, it wonā€™t hurt to start thinking about how you will use your new freedom.

ā€¢ Money. You canā€™t talk about retirement planning unless you talk about money. One of the biggest fears of pre-retirees is not knowing if they have enough money. The only way to effectively determine if you have enough to retire is to do the analysis ā€“ either by yourself or with a retirement financial advisor. My suggestion is to hire somebody to help you. There are so many variables to consider that it makes sense to work with someone who has experienced hundreds of retirements (i.e., working with clients who have retired) and has seen what works and what doesnā€™t than trying to go it alone. Either way, make sure your portfolio is invested appropriately for a retirement of three or more decades, you are taking out a safe amount of income each month, and you are considering all the various expenses and inflation in your calculations. Once you go through this process, youā€™ll feel better about retiring or youā€™ll discover you need to work an extra year or two. Either way you are better off knowing this now rather than after you leave the workforce.

ā€¢ Fulfilled. This one word sums up everything we desire from retirement and life. We want to feel fulfilled. Many clients transition smoothly into retirement and feel fulfilled while others struggle. Think about what you enjoy about your pre-retirement life ā€“ maybe itā€™s the camaraderie of your co-workers, the consistent schedule, the feeling of responsibility or purpose ā€“ and think of ways you can incorporate these things into your retirement. This might include volunteering or sitting on the board of a non-profit. Maybe itā€™s starting a new business or writing the novel youā€™ve always thought about. Fulfillment looks different for everyone. What does it look like for you?

As a fun pre-retirement exercise, what are the top ten words you would use to describe your retirement? And if you want the most from your retirement, be sure to sign-up for the Retirement Satisfaction Webinar to learn about the non-financial predictors of retirement success.



Congratulate the Retiree

Take a moment to congratulate the retiree on everything theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve achieved so far. Let them know you think theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve had an impressive career, made an amazing contribution to their industry, and really changed their workplace for the better.

You can also use this as an opportunity to compliment them on their achievements, approach, or manner. If a coworker or boss is retiring, you could thank them for the way theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve helped you with your own career, or note how theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve been a truly great mentor. If a family member is retiring, compliment them on their long and successful career and how proud you feel.Š’ 

Look Back on Fond (or Funny) Memories

Retirement is a time of reflection for many, with the retiree looking back at their career and achievements. Follow suit by using your congratulations message to reflect on fond or funny memories you share with them.Š’ 

You could bring up the time when they had a fantastic fundraising idea and raised money for a local cause, or when they supported you through a tough time. If you know their sense of humor, you could look back on a funny memory Š²Š‚ā€ like when they spilled coffee on their shirt right before a meeting, or embarrassed themselves in front of a customer.Š’ 

Wish Them Well for the Future

Just as one chapter of their life is closing, another is beginning. Your beloved retiree is heading into a different way of life and itŠ²Š‚ā„¢s time to wish them well.

If you know what the retiree is looking forward to or doing next, you can personalize your message. Congratulate them on starting a business and wish them well for the future, or say that you hope they have a wonderful adventure spending more time with their family. If youŠ²Š‚ā„¢re not sure what they have planned, you can keep it simple and wish them all the best.Š’ 

How to Say Š²Š‚ŃšCongratulations on Your Retirement!Š²Š‚Ńœ

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Simple Retirement MessagesŠ’ 

ItŠ²Š‚ā„¢s time to send those well wishes to the happy retiree. To keep things simple, consider these wording ideas:Š’ 

ā€¢ Happy retirement, [Name]! YouŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve earned it.

ā€¢ Congrats on your retirement! Enjoy this new chapter.

ā€¢ Wishing you good health for the future.

ā€¢ Sending happy retirement wishes your way, [Name]!

ā€¢ Have a wonderful retirement, [Name]!

ā€¢ Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement Š²Š‚ā€ have fun!Š’ 

Congratulations Messages to Your Boss

If your boss is retiring, you may want to express how they played a special role in your career and how itŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll be tough for someone to fill their shoes. Here are a few simple ways to congratulate a boss and wish them well for the future:

ā€¢ Best wishes for the future, [Name]. YouŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll always be the boss. Thank you for everything!Š’ 

ā€¢ Good luck with the next chapter of your life, [Name]. YouŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll be missed by us all.

ā€¢ CanŠ²Š‚ā„¢t believe youŠ²Š‚ā„¢re leaving to become your own boss! As someone who knows, youŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll be great at it.Š’ 

ā€¢ Best of luck with your new journey, [Name]. ItŠ²Š‚ā„¢s been a pleasure having you as my boss.

Retirement Wishes for a Coworker

ItŠ²Š‚ā„¢s hard to say goodbye to a coworker youŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve really enjoyed working with. To help ease the pain, here are some lovely words you can share with them in a retirement card:

ā€¢ Thanks so much for all your hard work at [Company], [Name]! I couldnŠ²Š‚ā„¢t have gotten through it without you.

ā€¢ Have fun on all your new adventures. WeŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll miss you so much!Š’ 

ā€¢ It wonŠ²Š‚ā„¢t be the same without you here, [Name]. Best wishes for the new chapter of your life.

ā€¢ [Name], youŠ²Š‚ā„¢re one of the hardest workers I know. Enjoy your retirement in comfort Š²Š‚ā€ you deserve it!Š’ 

Retirement Congratulations to a Family Member or Good Friend

You donŠ²Š‚ā„¢t have to work with the retiree to send them a congratulations card. Sometimes youŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll want to send one to a loved one or close friend whoŠ²Š‚ā„¢s retiring. Here are some wording ideas to help share the joy:

ā€¢ Have the best retirement ever, [Name]! We canŠ²Š‚ā„¢t wait to see more of you.Š’ 

ā€¢ Congratulations on your retirement, [relation] Š²Š‚ā€ thereŠ²Š‚ā„¢s nobody who deserves it more.Š’ 

ā€¢ So glad itŠ²Š‚ā„¢s retirement time, Grandpa/Grandma! All of us grandkids are excited to spend more time with you.Š’ 

ā€¢ Happy retirement, [Name]! Hope you enjoy all the free time Š²Š‚ā€ weŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll stop by for afternoon tea soon.Š’ 

ā€¢ Congrats on your retirement, [relation]. Now you have all the time in the world to pursue [hobby].

Funny Retirement Congratulations Messages

If youŠ²Š‚ā„¢re on good terms and know theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll enjoy it, have a little fun with your Š²Š‚Ńšcongratulations on your retirementŠ²Š‚Ńœ message. Here are some light, fun wording ideas to sprinkle some laughter into the proceedings:

Retirement Gift Ideas

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Sometimes youŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll want to send a thoughtful gift alongside your well wishes. Perhaps youŠ²Š‚ā„¢ll join forces with others to send a group gift, or send a sweet individual gift to congratulate the retiree on their achievements. Whatever you choose, here are some retirement gift ideas theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢re sure to love.Š’ 

Thoughtful Personalized GiftsŠ’ 

You could get a beautiful watch engraved with their name and a sweet message, or you could give the gift of personalized jewelry, stationery, or housewares instead. Another popular option is to create a gift trophy or medal for the retiree to commemorate their work.Š’ 

Hobby Gifts

Often people have more time to enjoy their hobbies once they retire, so this is the perfect opportunity to give them something special that relates to their interests.Š’ 

Popular choices here include accessories for sports like golf, walking, or tennis. You could also give craft supplies if the retiree loves to make things, or an e-reader or tablet if they enjoy curling up with a good book.Š’ 

Gift Card

If youŠ²Š‚ā„¢re not sure what to give as a gift or you want your friend or coworker to have freedom of choice, a gift card is always a lovely retirement gift option.Š’ 

Say Š²Š‚ŃšCongratulations on Your RetirementŠ²Š‚Ńœ in Style

Your retiree friend or coworker is about to step into a new phase of their life Š²Š‚ā€ one with more freedom and time to pursue the things they love. We hope this guide has helped you put your joy for them into words, so you can congratulate them on a job well done and celebrate all theyŠ²Š‚ā„¢ve achieved.



Oyewole Folarin loves writing greeting-card messages and helping others find the words they need for life's special moments.

Get ideas for meaningful (or funny) things to write in a retirement card for a teacher or mentor.

What Do You Say to Your Favorite Teacher or Professor When They Retire?

What do you write in a retirement card for a teacher? How do you congratulate someone on their retirement? Figuring out what to say to a teacher who has played an important role in your (or your child's) life can be a challenge. It can be time-consuming to find just the right words to express your gratitude and appreciation.

Say "Thank You" in a Unique and Memorable Way

Teachers work very hard to teach us the skills we need to realize our full potential in life. When they retire, we can acknowledge their dedication by wishing them all the best in their future endeavors and thanking them for their years of hard work, time, and effort. You can include funny retirement quotes and sayings in your note or letter to make it stand out from the hundreds of cards your teacher will receive. A unique, personalized message is something they'll remember forever!

Sample Retirement Card Messages From Students

ā€¢ The knowledge you have shared with me is priceless, and I will remember your valuable lessons for the rest of my life. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ [School/College] won't be the same without a teacher like you. Here's to a retirement that is filled with lots of fun and happiness. Goodbye, and thank you for being my mentor!

ā€¢ We appreciate the time and effort that you've put into the teaching profession for [number] years. We join the members of the staff in wishing you a blissful retirement!

ā€¢ Thanks so much for going above and beyond and bringing out the best in us. We promise that we will remember the lessons you've taught us and pass them on to the next generation. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ If it weren't for your knowledge and teaching experience, we wouldn't have been nearly as successful in [school/college]. May God's endless blessings be upon you today and always. Goodbye!

ā€¢ Words cannot describe how blessed we are for being among your students. We will truly miss your teaching skills! We wish you good health and lots of fun in retirement!

ā€¢ You have made a huge difference in our lives, and you will remain forever in our hearts. Lots of love and best wishes to our retiring teacher and mentor.

ā€¢ I am inspired by your vision and motivation, and I am so glad that I met a teacher like you in [school/college]. I wish you nothing but the best in the next stage of your life.

ā€¢ Thank you for helping me learn how to attain my goals and overcome any difficulties that come my way. Congratulations on your retirement!

Photo by Kelli Tungay on Unsplash

Things You Can Say When Someone Retires

ā€¢ It's time to celebrate your exemplary years of service. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Best wishes to a friend, a mentor, and a leader. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Retirement is the end of one phase of life and the beginning of a new, exciting chapter. Congratulations!

ā€¢ I wish you a wonderful retirement filled with lots of fun and happiness.

ā€¢ I wish you a happy retirement filled with joy, goodness, and prosperity.

ā€¢ You are a friend, a colleague, a leader, and a mentor. I wish you lots of fun and happiness! Happy retirement!

ā€¢ I wish you good health and long life. Iā€™ll miss you.

ā€¢ I wish you good luck and pray that your future endeavors will be filled with abundant blessingsā€”more than you can ever imagine. Have a blissful retirement!

ā€¢ May all your dreams and wishes come true! I wish you a happy retirement.

ā€¢ Wishing you all the best because you deserve it. Please accept my hearty congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Happy retirement! Thank you for inspiring me to always strive for the best and for helping me reach the top of the class. I wish you a blissful future.

ā€¢ Please accept my retirement well-wishes as you move to the next exciting stage of your life.

ā€¢ Relax and enjoy life to the fullest. I wish you all the best!

ā€¢ I wish you a happy retirement! Enjoy the rest of your life without any stress or pressure from work!

Sample Messages for a Mentor Who Is Retiring From Work

ā€¢ Dear [mentor's name], we commend your leadership style, dedication, and hard work. We pray that God will continue to bless and guide you through the years ahead. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Thank you for all your years of unselfish service to our great country and for leading by example. May you continue to find success wherever you go. We wish you a very happy retirement. You're an awesome mentor!

ā€¢ Many people think that talented teachers like you are hard to find. I'm so grateful that I had a wonderful mentor like you. You've been my role model ever since I started [school/college], and for that I'm thankful. I hope your retirement is happy and fulfilling!

ā€¢ You groomed us to become skilled professionals and made learning in this great [school/college] an interesting and memorable experience. I wish you a happy retirement!

ā€¢ As you begin a new chapter in your life, I pray that God helps you discover new opportunities and strengths. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ We appreciate God for His love, compassion, and grace upon your life. We'll think of you often, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

ā€¢ Happy retirement! I wish you all the best, my leader, mentor, motivator, and role model.

ā€¢ We're so glad to celebrate your retirement party with you! Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Happy retirement! You've always been good to me, and you set an outstanding example for all mankind. I wish you nothing but the best.

ā€¢ You have always been an outstanding and visionary teacher who dedicated [his/her] life to the service of our great country. Happy retirement to our remarkable mentor!

ā€¢ We laud your many achievements and years of hard work. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ As you mark another important event in the journey of your life, we wish you the most rewarding retirement ever.

More Nice Things to Say to a Retiring Teacher or Mentor

ā€¢ We salute you for your outstanding performance, and we hope to emulate it someday. We wish you good health and long life. Congratulations on your retirement! Weā€™ll miss you.

ā€¢ We celebrate and share in your joy as you retire from work. You have been a fountain of inspiration for us. For your tenacity, drive, and exemplary leadership qualities, we salute you. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Today, we celebrate you, we appreciate you, we treasure you, and we remain grateful to you for being a good mentor to us. Hereā€™s to lots of fun and happiness in the years ahead.

ā€¢ Itā€™s indeed a great pleasure to share this special time with you. You are a tower of strength and knowledge. If the world had more people like you, it would be a much better place. We are who we are today thanks to your efforts as a teammate and a leader. Goodbye, and we hope to see you again!

ā€¢ Thank you for the knowledge that you have shared with me. I admire your ambition! Thank you for being there for me. I will miss your kind words. Goodbye!

ā€¢ The knowledge that you have shared with us is a treasure that will remain forever in our hearts, and we promise to pass it on to our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May God grant you all your wishes as you retire from work!

ā€¢ You are a blessing to this generation. May this new chapter in your life usher in long life, good health, and wisdom! Happy retirement!

ā€¢ You have been an inspiration. As a teacher, your skills have been exemplary. As a leader, your achievements have been remarkable. We wish you a happy retirement!

ā€¢ We appreciate the good example you have set for us. May God in His infinite mercy grant you good health to continue your wonderful work! Happy retirement!

ā€¢ We respect and admire your accomplishments, and we are proud to be associated with an industrious colleague like you. Have a blissful retirement!

ā€¢ I hope that your retirement is full of fun and happiness and everything that you enjoy. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

ā€¢ Happy retirement to a motivator, a tutor, and a quintessential role model.

ā€¢ Through your God-fearing nature and your exemplary achievements, you have created an enduring path for us to follow. Congratulations on your retirement!

ā€¢ Thank you so much for your altruism, guidance, and useful advice. Hereā€™s to a joyous retirement!

ā€¢ Accomplished, inspiring, inventive, productive, cheerful, generous, industrious, devoted, thoughtful, and proactive are a few adjectives I'd use to describe you. Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations on your retirement!

Funny and Inspirational Quotes for a Retired Person

ā€¢ "When a man retires, his wife gets twice the husband but only half the income." ā€•Chi Chi Rodriguez

ā€¢ "As in all successful ventures, the foundation of a good retirement is planning." ā€•Earl Nightingale

ā€¢ "Retirement has been a discovery of beauty for me. I never had the time before to notice the beauty of my grandkids, my wife, the tree outside my very own front door. And, the beauty of time itself." ā€•Hartman Jule

ā€¢ "A retired husband is often a wife's full-time job." ā€•Ella Harris

ā€¢ "Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache . . . unless you play golf." ā€•Gene Perret

ā€¢ "I'm not just retiring from the company, I'm also retiring from my stress, my commute, my alarm clock, and my iron." ā€•Hartman Jule

ā€¢ ā€œRetire from work, but not from life." ā€•M.K. Soni

ā€¢ "Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it." ā€•Gene Perret

ā€¢ "There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it retirement. I call it bliss." ā€•Betty Sullivan

How to Write a Retirement Card

Follow the six steps below if you're having trouble figuring out what to write in a retirement card:

ā€¢ Start with a personal greetingā€”for example, ā€œDear [teacher or professorā€™s name],ā€

ā€¢ Describe your feelings about the retiree and the memories you've shared together.

ā€¢ Acknowledge the retiree's dedication and contributions to the teaching profession.

ā€¢ Thank them, and also wish them a blissful and rewarding life.

ā€¢ Add a closing statementā€”for example, ā€œCongratulations on your retirement," ā€œHappy retirement,ā€ or ā€œBest wishes for a joyous retirement."

ā€¢ Add your name at the bottom.


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