Great Collection of Sample SMS/Messages

I still remember the awkward silence when I tried to say goodbye to my first boss. The words just wouldn't come out right, and I ended up mumbling something about "keeping in touch" before practically running out the door. That cringe-worthy moment taught me something important: having the right words ready makes all the difference when it's time to say farewell.

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I still remember the awkward silence when I tried to say goodbye to my first boss. The words just wouldn't come out right, and I ended up mumbling something about "keeping in touch" before practically running out the door. That cringe-worthy moment taught me something important: having the right words ready makes all the difference when it's time to say farewell.

According to a 2023 study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 89% of employees who maintain positive relationships with former supervisors report better career advancement opportunities. Your farewell message isn't just politeness—it's career strategy wrapped in courtesy.

Whether you're leaving for a dream job, transferring departments, or your boss is moving on, these 120+ templates will help you craft the perfect goodbye. From heartfelt appreciation to diplomatic professionalism, you'll find messages that match your relationship and situation perfectly.

Heartfelt Farewell Messages for Supportive Bosses

When your boss has been a true mentor and champion of your growth, your farewell message should reflect that genuine appreciation.

Heartfelt farewell messages express deep gratitude while acknowledging specific ways your boss contributed to your professional development and personal growth.

• "Thank you for being more than a boss—you've been a mentor who believed in my potential even when I didn't. Your guidance has shaped not just my career, but my approach to leadership. I'll carry your lessons with me always."
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• "Working under your leadership has been the highlight of my career. Your open-door policy, constructive feedback, and unwavering support helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Thank you for investing in my future."
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• "I'm grateful for the countless opportunities you've given me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. Your trust in my abilities pushed me to achieve things I thought were impossible. Thank you for seeing my potential."
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• "Your leadership style taught me that success isn't just about results—it's about lifting others up along the way. Thank you for being an example of authentic leadership I'll strive to emulate."
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• "The skills and confidence I've gained under your mentorship will serve me throughout my career. Thank you for creating an environment where I could fail, learn, and grow without fear."
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• "You've been the kind of boss who makes people excited to come to work. Your positive energy and genuine care for your team created something special here. Thank you for making work feel meaningful."
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• "I'll always remember how you celebrated my wins as if they were your own and supported me through challenges with patience and wisdom. Thank you for being an exceptional leader and human being."
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• "Your ability to see potential in people and nurture their growth is a rare gift. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the tools to succeed. I'm a better professional because of your guidance."
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Tip: Consider pairing your heartfelt message with a thoughtful leadership book or personalized desk accessory that reflects your appreciation.

Professional Farewell Messages for Formal Work Relationships

Not every boss relationship is deeply personal, and that's perfectly fine—professional courtesy still matters.

Professional farewell messages maintain respectful boundaries while expressing appropriate gratitude for the working relationship and collaboration opportunities.

• "Thank you for your professional guidance during my time here. I appreciate the opportunities to contribute to our team's success and wish you continued achievements in your leadership role."
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• "It has been a pleasure working under your supervision. I'm grateful for the clear direction and support you provided throughout my tenure. Best wishes for your continued success."
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• "I want to express my appreciation for your leadership and the professional environment you've maintained. Thank you for the opportunities to grow and contribute to our department's goals."
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• "Working with you has been a valuable professional experience. I appreciate your straightforward communication style and the trust you placed in my work. Thank you for your guidance."
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• "Thank you for maintaining high standards that challenged me to deliver my best work. I'm grateful for the professional relationship we've built and the skills I've developed under your supervision."
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• "I appreciate the professional development opportunities you've provided and your consistent support of our team's objectives. Thank you for your effective leadership during my time here."
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• "Your clear expectations and constructive feedback have been instrumental in my professional growth. Thank you for creating a productive work environment and for your professional guidance."
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• "I'm grateful for the collaborative working relationship we've established. Thank you for your professional support and for the opportunities to contribute meaningfully to our projects."
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Farewell Messages When Your Boss is Leaving the Company

Sometimes you're the one staying while your boss moves on to new adventures or well-deserved retirement.

Farewell messages to departing bosses focus on wishing them success while acknowledging their positive impact on the team and organization.

• "Your leadership has left a lasting impact on our team and organization. While we'll miss your guidance, we're excited about your new chapter. Thank you for everything you've taught us."
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• "Congratulations on your retirement! Your years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership have shaped so many careers, including mine. Enjoy this well-deserved new phase of life."
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• "We'll miss your steady leadership and the positive culture you've created here. Your new company is incredibly lucky to have you. Thank you for being an inspiring leader and mentor."
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• "Your departure marks the end of an era for our department. Thank you for your vision, support, and the professional standards you've set. Wishing you tremendous success in your new role."
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• "Working under your leadership has been a privilege. Your ability to bring out the best in people will be greatly missed. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to our team."
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• "As you transition to your new opportunity, please know that your leadership legacy will continue to influence how we work. Thank you for being an exceptional boss and leader."
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• "Your promotion is well-deserved recognition of your outstanding leadership. While we're sad to see you go, we're proud of your achievement. Thank you for everything you've done for our team."
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• "The positive changes you've implemented will continue to benefit our organization long after your departure. Thank you for your transformational leadership and dedication."
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Tip: A quality planner or executive notebook makes a thoughtful farewell gift for a boss starting a new position or entering retirement.

Thank You Farewell Messages Highlighting Specific Achievements

The most memorable farewell messages reference concrete examples of growth, learning, or success achieved together.

Achievement-focused farewell messages demonstrate genuine reflection on the working relationship by citing specific projects, skills, or milestones accomplished under their leadership.

• "Thank you for trusting me with the Johnson account—that project taught me more about client relations than any training could. Your confidence in my abilities changed my career trajectory."
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• "The presentation skills I developed under your coaching landed me this new opportunity. Thank you for pushing me to speak up in meetings and refine my communication style."
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• "When you assigned me to lead the software implementation, I thought you were crazy. Now I realize you saw leadership potential I didn't know I had. Thank you for that transformative experience."
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• "Your mentorship during the budget crisis taught me invaluable lessons about decision-making under pressure. Those skills will serve me well in my new role as department head."
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• "The cross-training program you created allowed me to discover my passion for data analysis. Thank you for opening doors I didn't even know existed."
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• "Your feedback on my quarterly reports transformed my writing from adequate to exceptional. The communication skills I've developed will benefit me throughout my career."
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• "The team-building initiatives you implemented helped me understand the power of collaboration. Thank you for teaching me that leadership is about elevating others, not just personal achievement."
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• "Your encouragement to pursue my MBA while working full-time showed me that growth never stops. Thank you for supporting my educational goals and flexible scheduling needs."
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Farewell Messages for Different Industries and Workplace Cultures

Your industry and company culture should influence your message tone and content to ensure it resonates appropriately.

Industry-specific farewell messages adapt language, formality level, and cultural references to match professional environment expectations and communication norms.

Corporate/Finance:

• "Thank you for your strategic leadership and the analytical skills you've helped me develop. Your emphasis on data-driven decision making has been invaluable to my professional growth."
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• "I appreciate your commitment to excellence and the high standards you've maintained. The financial modeling expertise I've gained under your guidance will serve me well in my new position."
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Creative/Startup:

• "Thanks for creating a space where creativity could flourish alongside business objectives. Your collaborative approach and willingness to experiment made every project an adventure."
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• "Your ability to balance innovation with practical execution taught me so much about bringing ideas to life. Thank you for encouraging bold thinking and calculated risks."
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Healthcare:

• "Your dedication to patient care excellence has been inspiring. Thank you for demonstrating that leadership in healthcare means serving both patients and staff with equal commitment."
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• "The clinical skills and ethical standards you've modeled will guide me throughout my career. Thank you for your mentorship in this demanding but rewarding field."
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Education:

• "Your passion for student success and educational innovation has been truly inspiring. Thank you for showing me that great leadership in education means never stopping learning yourself."
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• "The collaborative teaching methods you've encouraged have transformed my approach to education. Thank you for supporting my professional development and classroom creativity."
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Short and Long Format Farewell Message Options

Sometimes you need a quick goodbye, other times the relationship warrants a more comprehensive farewell.

Message length should match relationship depth and communication preferences, ranging from brief professional acknowledgments to detailed appreciation letters.

Short Format (1-2 sentences):

• "Thank you for your leadership and support during my time here. I've learned so much and wish you continued success."
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• "It's been a pleasure working under your guidance. Thank you for the opportunities to grow and contribute to our team's success."
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• "I appreciate your mentorship and the professional environment you've created. Best wishes for your continued achievements."
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• "Thank you for believing in my potential and providing opportunities to develop my skills. Your support has meant everything."
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Extended Format:

• "As I prepare to leave for my new role, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your exceptional leadership. Over the past three years, you've not only been a boss but a mentor who genuinely cared about my professional development. Your open-door policy, constructive feedback, and willingness to advocate for my growth have been instrumental in preparing me for this next step. The skills I've learned, the confidence I've gained, and the professional relationships I've built under your guidance will serve me well throughout my career. Thank you for creating an environment where I could thrive and for being an inspiring example of authentic leadership."
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Farewell Messages for Challenging Boss Relationships

Even difficult working relationships deserve professional closure that protects your reputation and future opportunities.

Diplomatic farewell messages maintain professional courtesy while focusing on positive aspects and learning experiences, avoiding negative implications that could damage future references.

• "Thank you for the professional experience and the opportunities to develop resilience and adaptability. I appreciate the challenges that have contributed to my growth."
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• "I'm grateful for the learning opportunities this position has provided. Thank you for the experience and the chance to contribute to our team's objectives."
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• "Working here has taught me valuable lessons about professional communication and workplace dynamics. Thank you for the experience and professional development."
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• "I appreciate the opportunity to work in a demanding environment that has strengthened my problem-solving skills. Thank you for the professional experience."
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• "Thank you for the challenges that have helped me develop stronger professional boundaries and communication skills. I'm grateful for the learning experience."
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• "The experience here has taught me important lessons about workplace professionalism and personal advocacy. Thank you for the opportunity to grow in these areas."
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• "I'm thankful for the professional skills I've developed and the resilience I've built during my time here. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to our projects."
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• "This role has provided valuable insights into different management styles and workplace dynamics. Thank you for the professional experience and learning opportunities."
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Digital vs. In-Person Farewell Message Delivery

The medium is part of the message—choose your delivery method based on relationship depth and workplace culture.

Farewell message delivery should match the relationship's communication style and workplace norms, whether through email, face-to-face conversation, or professional networking platforms.

Email Best Practices:

• Send during business hours, ideally mid-week
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• Use clear subject lines: "Thank you and farewell" or "Gratitude and best wishes"
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• Keep professional tone even in casual workplaces
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• Include your personal contact information if appropriate
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In-Person Conversation Points:

• "I wanted to personally thank you for your leadership and support during my time here."
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• "Your mentorship has been invaluable to my professional development."
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• "I hope we can stay connected as I move forward in my career."
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• "Thank you for creating such a positive work environment."
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LinkedIn Connection Messages:

• "I'd love to stay connected as I transition to my new role. Thank you for your excellent leadership."
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• "It's been a pleasure working under your guidance. I hope we can maintain our professional connection."
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Creating Your Own Personalized Farewell Message

The best farewell messages combine templates with personal touches that reflect your unique working relationship.

Start by assessing your relationship depth—was your boss a mentor, a professional supervisor, or somewhere in between? This determines your tone and content approach. Next, identify 2-3 specific examples of growth, positive experiences, or skills you've developed under their leadership.

Consider your boss's communication style and preferences. If they're formal and direct, match that energy. If they appreciate humor and casual conversation, you can be slightly more relaxed while maintaining professionalism.

Include future contact information only if the relationship warrants it and you genuinely want to stay connected. Always proofread for professionalism and avoid overly casual language that might undermine your message's impact.

Time your delivery appropriately based on your departure schedule—ideally 1-2 weeks before your last day for email, or during your final week for in-person conversations.

Remember that your farewell message becomes part of your professional legacy at the company. Make it count by being genuine, specific, and gracious. The effort you put into crafting the right words often determines whether you leave with a reference or a true professional advocate.

Your farewell message is more than courtesy—it's relationship maintenance that can pay dividends throughout your career. Use these templates as starting points, but always personalize them to reflect your authentic experience and gratitude. The right words at the right time can transform a simple goodbye into a lasting professional connection.

Take time to customize these templates for your specific situation and relationship. Remember to follow your company's communication policies and maintain confidentiality about sensitive information when sharing your departure news.

How do I choose the right tone for my farewell message?

Match your message tone to your relationship depth and workplace culture. Formal relationships need professional courtesy, while mentoring relationships can be more heartfelt.

Should I mention my new job in the farewell message?

Brief mentions are appropriate, but focus primarily on gratitude and appreciation rather than your new opportunity details to maintain professionalism.

When is the best time to send a farewell message?

Send email messages 1-2 weeks before departure during business hours, preferably mid-week. Schedule in-person conversations during your final week.

What if I had a difficult relationship with my boss?

Focus on professional experiences and learning opportunities while maintaining diplomatic language. Avoid negative references that could damage future opportunities.

How long should my farewell message be?

Match length to relationship depth: 1-2 sentences for formal relationships, 1-2 paragraphs for mentoring relationships, with specific examples when appropriate.