April Marcom
It can be rough when a colleague leaves their job, especially if they really light up the workplace.
However, it’s often harder on them,[1] so it’s best to stay upbeat when saying farewell.
Keeping things lighthearted also helps to increase positive emotions and decrease negative ones.[2] You don’t want their last day in the workplace to be sad, after all.
Below, we have the list of cheerful and funny farewell messages to share with a colleague who’s leaving the office.
We also offer some gift ideas if you’d like to send them off with a little going-away present.
- I sure am going to miss you. Now who’s going to pick up all my slack?
- I’m thankful for all the fun we shared and for all you’ve taught me. Farewell, friend.
- Chance made us coworkers. Surviving this crazy place together made us friends. I’m going to miss you.[3]
- Adios and good luck on your next great venture, you traitor.
- I thought this day would never come — you’re finally leaving! What a relief![4]
- Goodbye, my dear friend. I hope our paths will cross again — so I can give you a good kick to the shins for leaving in the first place![4]
- Congratulations on your great escape. Best of luck to you at your new job!
- We will miss you, but probably not as much as you will miss us. We are pretty awesome.[5]
- The hard “fax” are that we’re going to miss you around here but wish you all the best.
as in “the hard facts are…” - I heard you’re being replaced by a water cooler.[6]
- Farewell. Someone is really going to miss you. But it is not going to be me![7]
- I’ll never forget you, [insert wrong name].[6]
- Leaving? I didn’t know you’d started.[6]
- Wishing you much joy and happiness as you begin a new chapter in your life.[8]
- They say that true friends never say goodbye, only “see you soon.” And yes, that is a threat: I will come visit you if you’re not back here soon.[4]
- Here’s to closing one chapter and starting another. Cheers! We’ll miss you but you will do great![9]
- I am sure that you will thrive in your new position. They are lucky to have you.[10]
- I don’t know who you are, but good luck anyway.[6]
- I don’t care what everyone else says. I liked working with you.[6]
- See you around, quitter.
- At least one of us escaped this place. Good luck at the new job.
- Good luck on finding better colleagues than me. Goodbye.[7]
- Don’t forget, what happens at [your place of work] stays at [your place of work]. Hope you have as much fun at your next job as you did here!
- I can’t wait to steal your desk. I mean, sorry you’re leaving… good luck for the future.[6]
- Hope you fall on your face at the new gig so you’ll be forced to come back!
- Farewell to a great colleague and friend. Best wishes to you and your family facing the future.
- Your resignation is a cruel reminder that all good things in life must come to an end… Farewell, dear friend.[11]
- But — I need you here failing to make me look good.
- Are you still here?
- Bye, traitor. P.S. We’ll miss you.[3]
- “Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.” -Oscar Wilde
- Sorry to hear you’re leaving; I’ve only just come to regard you as “someone I’ve met.”[6]
- Let’s hope your replacement actually does your job properly![6]
Find more ideas in our list of farewell cake messages.
Gift Ideas for a Colleague Leaving Their Job
You may want to give your co-worker something to remember you by or simply to show how much they’ve meant to you.
Here are a few ideas for a great farewell gift:
- Bobblehead: You can even get one custom-made to look like your colleague for under $100!
- Fidget/stress relief toy: Changing jobs is stressful, so this will come in handy even if they’re leaving for their dream job!
- An IOU for lunch out sometime: Assuming they’re still working in the same area, you might want to stay in touch as friends or professionals in the same field.
- Cozy mystery novel: Reading is a great way to unwind after a long day of looking at screens!
- Framed group photo of co-workers: Assuming they had a positive experience at your workplace, this will be a great reminder of the times you shared.
- Feng shui tree desk ornament: It can be the first thing to adorn their new desk with positive energy!
- Funny or meaningful mug: Coffee fuels many of us through the work week, so this is likely to be a gift they’ll use regularly!
- Throw pillow: You can choose one with an inspirational message, or something funny that’ll remind them of your sense of humor whenever they see it.
- Scented candle: They can use it to relax at home or use it to add a cozy vibe to their new desk!
