Great Collection of Sample SMS/Messages

I still remember the farewell email my mentor Sarah sent when she left our marketing agency five years ago. Her thoughtful message acknowledging each team member's contributions sparked a chain reaction of heartfelt responses that turned her departure into a celebration of relationships built over years of collaboration.

Photo by Felicity Tai on Pexels

I still remember the farewell email my mentor Sarah sent when she left our marketing agency five years ago. Her thoughtful message acknowledging each team member's contributions sparked a chain reaction of heartfelt responses that turned her departure into a celebration of relationships built over years of collaboration.

According to Harvard Business Review, maintaining professional relationships after job changes increases career advancement opportunities by 35%. The farewell email you send isn't just a goodbye—it's your final chance to solidify connections that could shape your career trajectory for years to come.

Whether you're leaving for a dream job, transitioning industries, or facing organizational changes, the right farewell message can transform an awkward goodbye into a powerful networking tool. I've compiled 65+ templates covering every departure scenario, from emotional messages to beloved mentors to brief announcements for large organizations.

Heartfelt Farewell Messages for Mentors and Senior Colleagues

These messages require a delicate balance of gratitude, professionalism, and genuine emotion that honors the guidance you've received.

Farewell emails to mentors should specifically acknowledge their guidance, express gratitude for career development, and maintain professional relationships for future networking opportunities.

• Dear [Name], As I prepare to leave [Company], I wanted to personally thank you for being such an incredible mentor. Your guidance during the Johnson project taught me strategic thinking that I'll carry throughout my career. I'm grateful for your patience, wisdom, and the confidence you showed in my abilities. I hope we can stay connected as I begin this new chapter.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], Your mentorship has been the highlight of my time at [Company]. From our weekly coffee chats to your constructive feedback on my presentations, you've shaped my professional growth in ways I'm still discovering. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to exceed my own expectations. I'd love to keep you updated on my journey ahead.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], I can't leave without expressing how much your leadership has meant to me. You didn't just teach me the technical skills—you showed me how to navigate workplace challenges with grace and integrity. Your door was always open, and your advice always thoughtful. I hope to pay forward the investment you made in me.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello [Name], As I transition to my new role, I keep thinking about the valuable lessons you've shared. Your approach to problem-solving and team management has become my professional compass. Thank you for seeing potential in me that I didn't even know existed. I'm excited to apply everything you've taught me in my next adventure.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], Working under your guidance has been a masterclass in professional excellence. Your ability to balance high standards with genuine care for your team is something I'll always admire. Thank you for the countless hours you invested in my development and for making me a better professional and person.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Tip: Consider sending a personalized thank-you gift like a professional development book to reinforce your gratitude.

Casual Farewell Messages for Peer Colleagues and Friends

These messages can include personal touches and shared memories while maintaining workplace appropriateness.

Casual farewell emails to peer colleagues can include personal touches, shared memories, and informal language while maintaining workplace appropriateness.

• Hey [Name], I can't believe it's time to say goodbye! Working with you has been such a joy—from our brainstorming sessions to our coffee runs when deadlines got crazy. You made even the toughest projects fun. Let's definitely stay in touch! Here's my personal email: [email]. Looking forward to hearing about your future adventures.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], As I pack up my desk, I'm thinking about all the great times we've had as teammates. Remember when we pulled that all-nighter for the Peterson campaign? Your sense of humor got us through it! I'm going to miss our daily chats and your incredible problem-solving skills. Don't be a stranger—let's grab lunch soon!
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], You've been such an amazing colleague and friend. From day one, you made me feel welcome and part of the team. Our collaboration on the quarterly reports was always a highlight, and I learned so much from your attention to detail. I'm excited about my next opportunity but will definitely miss working with you.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hey [Name], It's been incredible working alongside you these past [time period]. Your creativity and positive energy made every project better. I'll never forget how you saved the day during the client presentation crisis! Let's keep in touch—I'd love to hear about your upcoming projects and share updates from my new role.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], Saying goodbye is harder than I expected! You've been such a wonderful colleague and friend. Our lunch conversations and shared project victories have been highlights of my time here. I'm excited about what's next but will miss our daily interactions. Hope we can stay connected through LinkedIn and maybe grab coffee sometime!
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

• 75+ Safe Journey Messages for Your Boyfriend: Heartfelt Travel Wishes
• 60+ Last Goodbye Messages for Boyfriend: Emotional Farewell Texts
• 80+ Professional Internship Farewell Messages (Complete 2025 Guide)

Farewell Messages for Direct Reports and Junior Colleagues

These messages should provide encouragement and acknowledge team achievements while offering continued support.

Farewell emails to direct reports should provide encouragement, acknowledge team achievements, and offer continued support for their professional development.

• Dear Team, As I prepare to leave [Company], I want you to know how proud I am of everything we've accomplished together. Each of you has grown tremendously, and I'm confident you'll continue to excel. [Name] will be taking over as interim manager, and I know you'll give them the same dedication you've shown me. My door is always open if you need advice or a reference.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], Watching your professional growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role here. Your initiative on the customer service improvements showed real leadership potential. As I move on to my next opportunity, I want you to know I believe in your abilities. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need career guidance or a recommendation.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], You've been such a valuable team member, and I'm excited to see where your career takes you next. Your analytical skills and attention to detail have consistently impressed me. Remember what we discussed about taking on more strategic projects—you're ready for that next level. I'm happy to serve as a reference anytime.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello [Name], As I transition out of my role, I wanted to personally thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges have been inspiring. Keep pushing yourself and don't be afraid to share your ideas in meetings. You have valuable insights that deserve to be heard.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], It's been a pleasure managing and mentoring you. Your progress from junior associate to project lead has been remarkable. Trust your instincts and continue building those client relationships—you have a natural talent for it. I'm confident you'll achieve great things, and I'm here if you ever need advice or support.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Tip: Consider recommending professional development courses or industry certifications that align with their career goals.

Brief Professional Farewell Messages for Large Organizations

These concise messages respect colleagues' time while covering essential information efficiently.

Brief farewell emails for large organizations should be concise, professional, and focus on key accomplishments while providing essential transition information.

• Dear Colleagues, After [time period] with [Company], I'm moving on to pursue new opportunities. It's been a privilege working with such talented professionals. Thank you for your collaboration and support. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. [Contact person] will handle my ongoing projects. Best regards, [Name]
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello Everyone, I'm writing to let you know that [date] will be my last day at [Company]. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and appreciate all the opportunities for growth and learning. Thank you for making my experience so positive. You can reach me at [email] for any future networking or collaboration opportunities.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear Team, As I prepare to leave [Company] on [date], I want to express my gratitude for the support and collaboration I've received. Working here has been incredibly rewarding, and I've learned so much from all of you. Please don't hesitate to reach out via LinkedIn. Wishing everyone continued success.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi All, I wanted to share that I'll be leaving [Company] at the end of this month to pursue a new opportunity. My time here has been filled with great projects and even better people. Thank you for the memories and professional growth. Looking forward to staying connected through professional networks.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear Colleagues, After careful consideration, I've decided to accept a position elsewhere. My last day will be [date]. I'm grateful for the experiences and relationships I've built here. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Thank you for everything, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Farewell Messages for Career Transitions and Industry Changes

These messages should explain career pivots positively while suggesting future collaboration opportunities.

Career transition farewell emails should explain the change positively, acknowledge transferable skills, and suggest potential future collaboration opportunities.

• Dear [Name], As I prepare to leave the marketing world for my new role in nonprofit management, I wanted to thank you for all the collaboration and support. The strategic thinking and campaign management skills I've developed here will serve me well in my mission-driven work. I'd love to explore potential partnerships between our organizations in the future.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], After [time period] in finance, I'm excited to pursue my passion for education by joining [School/Organization]. Your mentorship in financial analysis has given me skills that will benefit my students immensely. I hope we can stay connected—perhaps there are opportunities for financial literacy workshops or guest speaking engagements.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], I'm transitioning from our tech company to join a healthcare startup, combining my software development skills with my interest in medical innovation. Thank you for the technical foundation you've helped me build. As the healthcare industry increasingly relies on technology, I'm sure our paths will cross again professionally.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello [Name], After years in traditional retail, I'm making the leap to e-commerce consulting. The customer service and inventory management experience I've gained here will be invaluable in helping other businesses navigate digital transformation. I'd love to stay in touch and potentially collaborate on future projects.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], I'm leaving corporate law to start my own practice focused on small business legal services. The contract negotiation and compliance skills I've developed here have prepared me well for this entrepreneurial journey. I hope we can maintain our professional relationship and perhaps work together when your company needs specialized legal services.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

• 75+ Safe Journey Messages for Your Boyfriend: Heartfelt Travel Wishes
• 60+ Last Goodbye Messages for Boyfriend: Emotional Farewell Texts
• 80+ Professional Internship Farewell Messages (Complete 2025 Guide)

Retirement Farewell Messages for Long-Term Colleagues

These messages should celebrate career achievements and acknowledge institutional knowledge contributions.

Retirement farewell emails should celebrate career achievements, acknowledge institutional knowledge, and express genuine appreciation for long-term contributions.

• Dear [Name], As you embark on your well-deserved retirement, I want to thank you for [number] years of dedication and wisdom. Your institutional knowledge and patient mentoring have shaped countless careers, including mine. The stories you've shared about the company's evolution have been invaluable. Enjoy this new chapter—you've earned every moment of it.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Your [number] years of service have left an indelible mark on our organization. From the early days of [specific company history] to today's innovations, you've been a constant source of stability and wisdom. Thank you for all the guidance and friendship. Wishing you joy and adventure in retirement.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], It's hard to imagine the office without your presence after all these years. Your dedication, work ethic, and kindness have been an inspiration to everyone who's had the privilege of working with you. The knowledge you've shared and the relationships you've built are your lasting legacy here. Enjoy every moment of your retirement—you've more than earned it.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello [Name], As you close this chapter of your remarkable career, I want you to know how much your mentorship has meant to me and countless others. Your ability to balance high standards with genuine care for people has made you a true leader. Thank you for showing us what it means to build a meaningful career. Congratulations on your retirement!
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], Your retirement marks the end of an era for our company. Your contributions over [number] years have been immeasurable, from your technical expertise to your role as a mentor and friend. You've watched this company grow and helped shape its culture. Thank you for everything you've given us. Enjoy this new adventure!
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Tip: Consider organizing a group gift like a custom photo book featuring memories from their career or a high-quality travel accessory for their retirement adventures.

Farewell Messages During Company Restructuring or Layoffs

These messages maintain professionalism while avoiding negative comments about company decisions.

Farewell emails during layoffs should maintain professionalism, avoid negative comments about company decisions, and focus on positive relationships and future opportunities.

• Dear [Name], While my position has been eliminated as part of the company restructuring, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such talented professionals. The skills I've developed and relationships I've built here are invaluable. I'm optimistic about the future and excited to see where my next opportunity leads. Let's stay connected.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], As you know, my role has been affected by the recent organizational changes. I want to thank you for your collaboration and support during my time here. Working with you has been a highlight of my experience. I'm confident that the remaining team will continue to achieve great things. I look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], Although my departure wasn't planned, I'm grateful for the experiences and relationships I've gained here. Your friendship and professional support have meant so much to me. I'm excited about exploring new opportunities and applying everything I've learned. Please keep in touch—I'd love to hear about your continued success with the company.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello [Name], While the circumstances of my leaving aren't ideal, I want to focus on the positive aspects of my time here. Working with you and the team has been rewarding, and I've grown both professionally and personally. I'm approaching this transition as an opportunity for new challenges and growth. Let's definitely stay connected.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], As I navigate this unexpected career transition, I'm reflecting on the valuable relationships I've built here. Your support and collaboration have been bright spots in my professional journey. I'm optimistic about what lies ahead and grateful for the skills and experiences that will serve me well in my next role. Thank you for everything.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Thank You Focused Farewell Messages

These messages center on expressing specific gratitude and appreciation for support received.

Thank you focused farewell emails should include specific examples of support received and clearly express how colleagues contributed to professional growth.

• Dear [Name], I can't leave without expressing my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support during my time here. When I struggled with the Morrison account, you spent hours helping me understand the client's needs. Your patience and expertise turned what could have been a disaster into one of my proudest achievements. Thank you for believing in me.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hi [Name], Thank you for being such an amazing colleague and friend. Your willingness to share your knowledge during those late-night project sessions made all the difference. I'll never forget how you covered for me when I had that family emergency—your kindness went above and beyond. I'm grateful to have worked with someone so generous and talented.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], I want to thank you for the countless ways you've supported my professional growth. From recommending me for the leadership training program to providing honest feedback on my presentations, you've invested in my success. Your mentorship has been invaluable, and I'm excited to apply everything you've taught me in my new role.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Hello [Name], Thank you for making my transition into this role so smooth. Your detailed handover notes and patient explanations helped me hit the ground running. More importantly, your encouragement during challenging times kept me motivated. I'm grateful for your friendship and professional guidance throughout my journey here.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• Dear [Name], I'm deeply grateful for your collaboration and support over the years. Your creative problem-solving during the budget crisis saved our department, and your positive attitude made even the most stressful situations manageable. Thank you for being such a wonderful teammate and for all the knowledge you've shared with me.
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

• 75+ Safe Journey Messages for Your Boyfriend: Heartfelt Travel Wishes
• 60+ Last Goodbye Messages for Boyfriend: Emotional Farewell Texts
• 80+ Professional Internship Farewell Messages (Complete 2025 Guide)

Personalization Strategies for Authentic Farewell Messages

Creating genuine, customized farewell communications requires thoughtful consideration of your unique workplace relationships and experiences.

Start by mapping your professional relationships into categories: mentors who guided your career, peer colleagues who became friends, direct reports you've managed, and broader organizational contacts. Each category requires a different tone and level of personal detail.

For mentors and senior colleagues, focus on specific instances where their guidance made a difference. Instead of generic appreciation, mention the exact project, conversation, or advice that shaped your professional development. This specificity demonstrates genuine gratitude and creates memorable messages.

When writing to peer colleagues, incorporate shared experiences that highlight your collaborative relationship. Reference inside jokes, challenging projects you conquered together, or moments when you supported each other through workplace difficulties. These personal touches transform routine farewell emails into meaningful connections.

For direct reports, emphasize their growth and potential while offering continued support. Acknowledge specific achievements and provide encouragement for their future career development. This approach reinforces your leadership legacy while maintaining valuable professional relationships.

Consider your company culture when calibrating your message tone. A creative agency might appreciate more casual, humor-infused messages, while a financial services firm may prefer formal, achievement-focused communications. Match your farewell style to the environment where these relationships developed.

Finally, be strategic about contact information sharing. Provide LinkedIn profiles for broad professional networking, personal email addresses for closer colleagues, and phone numbers only for relationships you genuinely want to maintain beyond professional networking.

Remember that authenticity trumps perfection. A heartfelt, slightly imperfect message resonates more than a polished but generic template. Your colleagues will remember the genuine emotion and specific memories you share, not your grammar or formatting.

The most effective farewell emails feel like natural conversations rather than formal announcements. Write as if you're speaking directly to each person, acknowledging the unique aspects of your relationship and expressing genuine appreciation for their contributions to your professional journey.

Your farewell email is often the last impression you'll make in your current role. Make it count by being authentic, grateful, and forward-looking. The relationships you nurture through thoughtful goodbye messages can become valuable assets throughout your career.

According to research from the Society for Human Resource Management, professionals who maintain strong workplace relationships are 50% more likely to receive referrals for new opportunities. Your farewell email isn't just a goodbye—it's an investment in your professional future.

Take time to craft messages that reflect your genuine appreciation and leave the door open for future collaboration. The effort you put into these communications today can pay dividends throughout your career as you build a network of advocates and supporters who remember you fondly.

How long should a farewell email to colleagues be?

Keep farewell emails between 100-300 words for individual messages and under 150 words for company-wide announcements to respect colleagues' time while conveying genuine appreciation.

Should I include personal contact information in my farewell email?

Share LinkedIn profiles with all colleagues, personal email with close workplace friends, and phone numbers only with those you genuinely want to maintain regular contact with.

When is the best time to send a farewell email?

Send farewell emails on your last day or the day before, preferably in the morning when colleagues are most likely to read and respond thoughtfully.

What should I avoid mentioning in a farewell email?

Avoid negative comments about the company, complaints about management, salary discussions, or confidential business information that could damage professional relationships or violate company policies.

How do I write a farewell email during layoffs?

Focus on gratitude for relationships and experiences, maintain a positive tone, avoid criticizing company decisions, and emphasize your optimism about future opportunities while keeping the message brief and professional.