Is your favorite boss about to call it a career? Eventually after decades of service in a company, the boss might finally realize it's time to retire. Hopefully, it's the bosses choice when a working career reaches its conclusions and not a cut back from the company.
But before your boss signs off forever, let them know what an inspiration they were in the office. These sample retirement wishes make a boss or direct manager feel valued for their efforts over the years.
• Retirement Wishes for a Boss
• Retirement Quotes for a Boss
• Retirement Quotes for Female Boss
• Retirement Card Messages to a Boss
• Funny Retirement Wishes for a Boss
• Short Retirement Wishes for a Boss
• Emotional Retirement Messages
• What are Some Creative Ways to Say Thanks to a Boss Who's Retiring?
Retirement Wishes for a Boss
• Happy retirement, boss! You always inspired me to reach new heights in my own career.
• You were an amazing leader. You deserve an awesome retirement.
• You’ve been so good to us little people on the sales floor. We’ll miss you dearly.
• You deserve some R&R for all the great things that you’ve done here. You dedicated your life to the success of this organization.
• Vacations, family time, hobby time—you deserve it all, boss!
• We wish you well in your new chapter of life. Don't forget to come back and pay us a visit sometime.
• Boss, it’s not the end. It’s the beginning a new life without weekly meetings or deadlines.
• Have a joyous and enjoyable retirement!
• The best times of your life are still ahead of you.
• Although you’re about to retire, know that we’ll always be here for you.
• A great retirement is the best gift for a great boss—you!
• We’ll miss you, and we hope you’ll have an amazing retirement.
• You’re getting into another lovely phase of your life! Congratulations!
• The lessons you taught us will always be cherished. Have a great retirement, boss!
• At last, it’s family and you-time. You've finally got the time to improve that golf game.
• Allow us to give you this humble token of appreciation for all the years you’ve guided us.
• We will miss your spectacular guidance and your support.
• You made it to the finish line of a career. Thanks for your 25+ years of service to the company.
• Enjoy every second, every minute, every hour of your retirement.
• Be happy! You have control of your life for the first time ever.
• You’ve been waiting for this, and it’s finally here! Happy retirement!
• Are you ready for the best life you deserve?
• It’s time to get the life reward you deserve after all that hard work.
• All your hard work in our company is about to pay off.
• Congratulations, rest easy, and have fun!
Retirement Quotes for a Boss
You can use these awesome quotes as text on your boss’s retirement cake, card, or wall message.
• "I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself." – Walt Mossberg
• "Retire from your job, but never retire your mind." –Unknown
• "Stay young at heart, kind in spirit, and enjoy retirement living." –Danielle Duckery
• "Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway." –Unknown
• "Age is just a number, but retirement is one of the greatest gifts to mankind." –Unknown
• It’s difficult to say goodbye to an excellent boss.
• Do your job excellently until the company misses you.
• Everyone always misses an asset.
• You know you’re a great boss when people in your company shed a tear as you say goodbye.
• Building an atmosphere of motivation is one of the greatest legacies a retiring leader can give.
• Your effective leadership enables a business to grow even if you’re already retired.
• Retirement is a chance for you to work on your personal success.
• It isn’t easy to part ways with an excellent boss.
• A great retirement is your great reward for being an amazing boss.
• You are someone we’ll always look up to.
• The best part about retirement is knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life and business.
• For you, you retired. For us, you’re still with us.
• You shared a cup of your skill. It filled a gallon.
• You know you’re a great boss when your team prepares for you a grand retirement party.
• It would be difficult to find a replacement for you.
• Retirement is when you cease working and begin living.
• Retirement is only the beginning.
• It’s time to take a break. It’s time to work on your life.
• Retirement is a new chapter. Make something good out of it.
• Your boss is now the woman you married.
Retirement Quotes for Female Boss
• You’re the epitome of girl power. You've been breaking glass ceilings within this department for decades.
• Your power resonates in the office even if you’re not here.
• You’re the epitome of a lady boss. Now, you're finally the boss of your free time.
• Happy retirement! It’s time to work on the grandma you always want to be.
• Happy retirement! Congrats on being a grandma!
• You successfully graduated as a female boss.
• Thank you for proving that ladies can do it.
• Retire and make a mark on your team’s lives.
• It was a pleasure working with a firm but compassionate lady boss.
• Who says that ladies are weak? You nailed it during your tenure here!
• In the short time we’re together, we’re happy that we were yours.
• Being a female boss in a male-dominated team is actually a blessing—for the team.
• We will miss your grace and your power at the same time!
• You’re strict and demanding during your tenure here. But just look at the great achievements we had under your leadership.
• Sex does not differentiate skill, talent, and leadership. You’re awesome!
• You definitely earned another chapter of your life.
• We’re incredibly thankful for being our boss.
• You motivate us to do our best every day with your beauty, skill, and understanding.
• We may have given you a boatload of trouble. But in all honesty, we love you, and we’re thankful for your leadership.
• Congratulations on your retirement and welcome to your cruising life!
• Life’s short. Enjoy your retirement
• Women bosses are the foundations of a company’s success.
• Over the years, you imparted effective, out-of-the-box solutions that an all-male-dominated team couldn’t have thought of.
• Cheers to your well-deserved retirement, ma’am!
Retirement Card Messages to a Boss
• Boss… Take me with you!
• We wish you the best on your retirement—and the start of your new life.
• Your well-deserved retirement is also a time to build your dreams.
• We’re incredibly happy for you as you start a new life.
• Congratulations! This is finally your time!
• You made it to the finish line! It’s time to celebrate victory.
• You’re promoted to retirement! Congratulations!
• We’re sad that you’re leaving us. We’re happy that you’re starting a new life.
• It’s time to start that dream business of yours.
• We’ll always look up to you even if you’re retired.
• We’ll never forget the smart strategies you taught us. Enjoy your retirement.
• It’s time for you to enjoy life.
• Everything you’ve always wanted to do is right outside the office door.
• Happy retirement! May you find the happiness you’ve always searched for.
• Don’t worry, and enjoy your retirement. You coached us well.
• Wishing you the best of life during your retirement.
• Retirement is the perfect time to catch up on things you left behind while you were busy at work.
• You got a new job as a dedicated family man! Congratulations on your retirement.
• It’s an honor to have served under you, sir/ma'am!
• You’re the best boss we’ve ever worked with. Congratulations on your retirement!
• When a door closes, a window opens. Congrats on your retirement!
• Enjoy your retirement, and make your dreams come true.
• You earned a weekend through all your life! Happy retirement!
• Thank you for being a great mentor, friend, and boss! Enjoy your retirement.
• For most of your career, you trained for this one beautiful day!
Funny Retirement Wishes for a Boss
If your boss is a lighthearted fellow, he might get a laugh at these humorous retirement wishes. Just make sure you use these in a truly humorous, non-malicious context.
• We dub thee "The Accomplisher."
• You’re about to start the longest coffee break ever.
• At last, you’ll finally have your wish of being an assassin!
• No more days off because every day starting tomorrow is a day off.
• We’re happy about you leaving us.
• Even if you’re retired, prepare for an endless flow of questions by us.
• Your reward is a well-deserved vacation until the last of your days.
• Well, think on the bright side. We won’t give you headaches anymore.
• Unfortunately, your vacation/retirement is a result of a computer error.
• Can we retire with you too?
• Congratulations on your retirement! Now we don’t have to laugh at your jokes anymore.
• Now that you’re retiring, we’re going to tell you a crazy secret.
• Practicing retirement? Now, this is the real thing!
• Every day is now a weekend for you!
• Are you going to be on a 24/7 break until you’re 95?
• Get ready to trade your thinking cap for a nightcap.
• Boss, now that you’re retired, you won’t know what we’re surfing on the web.
• We hope you won’t become a vigilante during your retirement.
• Happy retirement! At last, no more deadlines for us!
• We’ll miss your (name a physical characteristic or unique expression of your boss)
• Always obey your new boss—your spouse.
• Happy retirement! Now you can use your senior discount card to the fullest!
• You’re going to get busier at home.
• You’re going to have new subordinates and teammates—your grandchildren.
• You’re not mature. You’re an active pre-teen in a (your boss’s age)’s body.
Short Retirement Wishes for a Boss
Use these short retirement wishes if you’re limited on text space.
• You’re awesome! Enjoy your retirement!
• We don’t want you to leave.
• See you at the beach!
• Enjoy an endless vacation!
• Good luck with realizing your dreams!
• We appreciate your mentorship through these years.
• Have a beautiful retirement.
• You did an exemplary job.
• We love you.
• You truly inspired us.
• Grateful thanks for your inspiration.
• Thank you for everything.
• A boatload of fun awaits you.
• It’s time to work on your dreams.
• Enjoy each minute of your retirement!
• Savor your retirement!
• This is the time to follow your dreams.
• Make your retirement a great one.
• Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
• We’ll always be thankful for you.
• All the best for your retirement.
• May you find all the success for the rest of your life.
• Sail the friendly seas!
• Go out and enjoy the world.
• Be the best retiree ever!
Emotional Retirement Messages
Many leaders feel that they haven’t done enough for the company. With these messages, let your boss know that he’s special and he did an amazing job.
• We’ll surely miss you.
• Honestly, we don’t want you to go.
• How we wish retirement wasn’t a thing because we want you to stay.
• The company will truly miss an asset—you.
• Make your dreams come true starting today.
• We’re behind you even if you’re not here.
• You left a lasting legacy.
• The one who will replace you will have big shoes to fill.
• You really made a difference in this company.
• You positively affected all our lives.
• Thank you for helping achieve this company’s goals against all odds.
• Thank you for not abandoning us in times of trouble.
• Farewell to our expert problem solver.
• Your exemplary leadership will echo through these walls even when you retire.
• You definitely earned your wings in a spectacular fashion. Happy retirement!
• We’ll always think of you as we work on our projects.
• Success will follow you even in your retirement.
• Your leadership, when you were here, took us to great heights.
• You’re not a perfect boss. That’s why we love you.
• We appreciate what you’ve done for us.
• It’s truly a pleasure working with you, boss.
• We will always cherish the knowledge you shared with us.
• Without you, we wouldn’t have achieved this much success.
• You’ll be sailing to a new sunrise in your life.
• We wish you didn’t retire so soon. Happy retirement!
What are Some Creative Ways to Say Thanks to a Boss Who's Retiring?
Here are a few ways how to bid happy retirement in a creative way.
• Put your retirement message on a cake.
• Organize a retirement party that centers on your boss’s sports, hobbies, or interests.
• If your boss doesn’t have a pet but loves to have one, give him a puppy with the tag "Happy retirement. I’m all yours!"
• Give a gift that your boss has always wanted.
• Involve the boss’s friends, loved ones, and family during his retirement party.
Retirement can be a beautiful thing. It’s an opportunity for someone to take life slower at a slower pace, sleep in, fulfill lifelong ambitions, spend time with family members, or even travel the world.
But it’s also a time of doubt, wondering if he really made a difference for the company he worked in over these years. Did his colleagues really appreciate him? Was he a significant asset? The boss will know exactly how you feel if you send one of these messages.
Almost everyone struggles with capturing the right sentiments. It’s their big day and crafting a farewell message to a boss is never easy.
The best retirement wishes for a boss reflect genuine appreciation of their leadership and accomplishments. When you include personal thoughts on how they made a difference, this can create a lasting memory for them.
Further complicating matters are the company culture, the circumstance they’re leaving under (such as forced retirement), what the team is doing (or not) and if he/she was well liked and respected.
For instance, the company might be organizing an event or the team planning something special. In those situations, is it appropriate to act on your own?
To help navigate these tricky waters, we’ll look at these different scenarios with samples of how to wish your boss a happy retirement.
What To Do When You Don't Like Your Boss
Before we launch into all the wonderful ways of commemorating their big day, what if you really don’t like them? Let’s be clear, you’re under no obligation to do anything if you don’t want to.
There are managers who should never have had direct reports. They were incompetent and made life miserable for everyone working under them. In other situations, personality conflicts may have simmered and it’ll be a relief when they’re gone.
Having stated the obvious, if the company or your co-workers are doing something; you should consider participating.
This might mean attending a luncheon or kicking in a few dollars for a gift. The key point is you’ll want to avoid others perceiving you’re not a team player.
Finally, another consideration is you may want/need a personal reference from your old boss at some point in the future. Why burn a bridge if you don’t have to?
Retirement Wishes for A Boss from A Team Approach
Those big retirement celebrations complete with a gold watch are a thing of the past. Those were the days when employees dedicated thirty or more years of their life to the same company.
Nowadays, many progressive organizations strive to do something for their long-term employees. They might set aside a small budget for a presentation with a cake and balloons. Alternatively, they might cover a team luncheon.
It’s also equally likely nothing will be done by the company. If anything is to be done, now it’s up to you and your co-workers to pull something together.
In either situation, one of those really big cards might be circulated throughout the office. Everyone is expected to sign it and chip in a few bucks. On average, the value of a decent team gift comes in around $100.00.
To personalize a group card, we’ve compiled some samples to inspire you. You’ll likely want to add "Happy retirement" or Congratulations on your retirement" and their nameWe’ve omitted this to avoid repetition.
• 1. It’s hard to say farewell to such a great boss! You’ll be missed, but never forgotten.
• 2. Looking back at your amazing career, your greatest accomplishments may have been your leadership and inspiration. They meant so much to us each and every day!
• 3. You’ve redefined what a great boss means! You made work fun, exciting and rewarding. We’ll all miss you.
• 4. Your encouragement and inspiration have made us the team we are! You will be sorely missed and we all wish you the best in your next chapter of life.
• 5. Thank you for inspiring us every day to be our best. The company won’t be the same without you.
• 6. The team won’t be the same without your spirit and energy which elevated us to new levels. What are we going to do without your leadership? Wishing you all the best.
• 7. If anyone deserves to retire, it would be you. You’ve done so much to make this a better place to work. It won’t be the same without you. Enjoy your golden years!
• 8. Anyone can be a boss, but it takes a special someone to be a leader. Thank you for making such a difference in our lives! We wish you health, happiness and prosperity in retirement.
• 9. To the best boss ever, you’ll be a hard act to follow! Your positivity, kindness and respect have deeply touched all of us. Wishing you a wonderful retirement.
• 10. There has never been a dull moment with you around. Your enthusiasm and joy showed day in and day out. We’re going to really miss you as our boss. Wishing you all the good things your golden years can bring!
• 11. Congratulations on achieving this milestone. We’re all going to miss you and things won’t be the same. It’s been an honor and a privilege working with you and hope your retirement is everything you imagine and more.
• 12. Part of your legacy will be your leadership. You made this a fun and rewarding place to work. We appreciate all you've done.
• 13. This is the right time for you and we applaud your decision to retire. Your expertise and thoughtful approach are going to be sorely missed. Enjoy every moment of retirement.
• 14. Hard to believe the time has come to say farewell to an amazing boss and truly wonderful person. You’re one of a kind and the place won’t be the same without you.
• 15. You wrote the book on what it means to be a good boss. Take that pen and write your next chapter in life, which we know will be a good one.
• 16. In terms of profits and loss, your retirement will be a huge loss for all of us while you and your family will profit. Wishing you all the best.
Genuine Retirement Wishes for A Boss from You
When you have a great boss, you might want to do something additional from yourself. Perhaps they’ve mentored, provided advice or otherwise gone above and beyond.
Likewise, they’re genuinely a good person whom you respect and admire.
Whether or not a collective effort is being done, you may also choose to recognize them on your own. This could be a personalized card or note expressing your best wishes and thoughts.
We've compiled some sample retirement messages to inspire you. You’ll likely want to add "Happy retirement" or Congratulations on your retirement" and their nameWe’ve omitted this to avoid repetition.
• 17. I wanted to personally thank you for everything you’ve done. I don’t think I’ll ever meet another boss as supportive and understanding as you. May your golden years be as wonderful as you!
• 18. You’ll never know how much I appreciate all the help and support over the years. Your intelligence and wit have made it a joy to work with you. You will be dearly missed. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
• 19. Not only has it been a pleasure working with you, you’ve also been a role model for me. Through your guidance I’ve grown and developed both personally and professionally.
• 20. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years. I will miss working with you and wish you the best retirement ever!
• 21. You’ve been a guiding light for me. Now it’s your time to shine and bask in the sun.
• 22. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness in your well-deserved retirement. You’ve touched so many with your kindness and generosity. Now it’s your turn to relax and enjoy.
• 23. You are the greatest boss ever! The differences you’ve made in my life will forever be remembered.
• 24. I’m at a loss for words to express my gratitude. You’ve made a profound impact on my life with your encouragement and guidance. I know your retirement will be filled with joy and happiness.
• 25. I can’t imagine coming to work without you here. Your enthusiasm and zest for life made the work day fly by. I’m sure your retirement will be amazing.
• 26. You were more than a boss to me and I feel sad you're leaving. At the same time, I'm happy for you as you begin your next chapter in life.
• 27. I appreciate all the valuable life lessons and great memories created under your leadership.
• 28. The possibilities are endless for this next stage of life. Wishing you and your family a wonderful retirement.
• 29. Congratulations on your newfound freedom, (name). No more coming to work and now’s the time to start enjoying life.
• 30. I look up to you, (name), and want to thank you for always being you! I’ve grown so much through your openness, integrity and genuine desire to help. May your retirement be filled with health and happiness.
• 31. You’ve mentored and encouraged me through the years. Your belief in me allowed me to stretch my wings and grow. You will be missed here however your family is getting back the great person we’ve had the privilege to know. Enjoy this next chapter of life.
• 32. You weren’t only my boss. You were my friend and mentor that I could look to for advice and guidance throughout our years with the company. Here’s to the greatest retirement for a fantastic person.
Light Hearted Humorous Retirement Wishes for A Boss
Sometimes a light hearted humorous message is called for. On a cautionary note, what you might view as funny, could be interpreted quite differently.
For example, "You can finally do nothing without worrying about getting caught" may sound cute.
However, this could also imply they’ve been slacking off. To your boss, this might even feel insulting and such a message isn’t likely to be fondly remembered or treasured.
We’ve compiled some sample messages which will usually get a chuckle or two. You’ll likely want to add "Happy retirement" or Congratulations on your retirement" and their name
• 33. The money’s no better in retirement, but the hours sure are!
• 34. What do you call someone who is happy on Mondays? Retired!
• 35. Hello pension, good bye tension!
• 36. All that changes after retiring is you report to a new boss – your wife.
• 37. From tomorrow onward, the dress code changes from a suit and tie to sweat pants and T-shirts. Enjoy!
• 38. Think of retirement as a long vacation in Vegas. You want to enjoy it to the fullest, yet not run out of money!
• 39. Even though everyone wishes you well, deep down we’re all envious you get to leave!
• 40. Retirement is when you stop living at working and start working at living. Congratulations on your next chapter of life!
• 41. I appreciate all you’ve done. Before you retire, could I get that raise?
• 42. Congratulations! You received one final promotion to the best position you could ever have – retired. Enjoy it to its fullest!
• 43. You’re going to love being retired. You never missed a day of work and there are no vacations or days off in retirement. The streak continues!
• 44. Retirement is the time to maximize all those senior discounts.
• 45. You’re living proof that, eventually, we’ll all get out of here alive!
• 46. Retirement: no alarm clock, no commute and no problems.
• 47. Retirement is a lot like graduating. Except now you’ll be working towards a Masters in doing as little as possible.
• 48. Retirement has often been called the world’s longest coffee break.
Closing Thoughts
When a boss retires, the situation is somewhat different than a co-worker. This complicates matters as there really aren’t any hard and fast rules. Depending upon the situation, you might be unsure of what to do.
This is easier when management has a recognition program. When they don’t, it’s up to the team to figure it out. Assuming the boss was decent, the right thing is to have some form of retirement celebration.
Frequently, this will include a card from everyone along with a gift. Sometimes it could include a luncheon or retirement party with presentations. The majority of the time, you should participate and contribute.
If he/she really made a difference in your life, it’s appropriate to also do something special on your own. Whatever you do (or don’t) can leave a lasting impression.