We all dream of the day when we get to retire. More time to ourselves, no alarms to set, no commute to deal with, it really is the dream that can get us through a slow Monday morning.

But chances are, you are a couple (or twenty) years away from even considering retirement, and someone else has reached that golden goal post before you.

And now you’ve found yourself hovering over a card - or keyboard - with writer's block and no idea what to say to wish them well on their retirement.

But chances are, you are a couple (or twenty) years away from even considering retirement, and someone else has reached that golden goal post before you.

And now you’ve found yourself hovering over a card - or keyboard - with writer's block and no idea what to say to wish them well on their retirement.

That’s where we come in! The team here at Givetastic have been working hard to compile a long list of retirement wishes that are perfect for anyone, no matter who is retiring.

With retirement wishes for parents, partners and co-workers, you will no longer have to worry about what to write in a retirement card.
‍

What to Include in a Retirement Card

Before we dive headfirst into our list of retirement wishes, we thought we would start by covering the basics.

Of course it goes without saying, there are some standard checklist items that should be included in every greeting’s card, retirement or not.

Things like your name and the recipient's name are a given, but we suggest that when it comes to retirement wishes, that you should always mention their occupation and how long they have done it for. For example:

“Congratulations on your retirement. 35 years working on the construction site is no easy feat…”

We think that this is important as what someone does for a living encompasses their whole lives and is important to almost everyone, especially at the point of retirement.

On that note, we also think it’s important to mention that there are a couple of things that you should consider not including. Some things go without saying, swear words and the likes, but we think the main thing to avoid is personal jokes you don’t want other people to see.

Who is retiring?

Of course we have done the hard work here at Givetastic, and you can choose a retirement wish from our list below.

But, if you fancy taking it upon yourself to write your own message, one of the key things to think about is “Who is retiring?”.

• If it’s a parent you may want a more sentimental message, including feelings of pride and happiness for them as a son or daughter.
• If it’s a co-worker, it could be a funny message of jealousy or pride, again that they have been such a hard worker and deserve this new chapter.
• If it’s a friend it could include a sense of nostalgia, especially how you have reached this time in your lives where retirement is happening.
• If it’s someone that you don’t know particularly well i.e. someone in the office or a new partner’s parent etc. then keep the message light hearted and general.
  ‍

Retirement Wishes for a Colleague

Here at Givetastic we feel that as the years go by you will be wishing multiple colleagues a happy retirement.

So we felt that it would be most beneficial to put all of our colleague retirement wishes at the start:
‍

I’m going to miss dragging you through a Monday morning, but so happy for you and your retirement! Congratulations!

Tea breaks aren't going to be the same without you. I’ll miss you, but enjoy your retirement!

You have worked so hard for so many years and now you’re finally leaving us all behind. Happy retirement!

Finally time to hang up your boots. I hope you enjoy every minute of your retirement.

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! Wishing you a future filled with relaxation, happiness, and exciting new adventures.

As you embark on this new chapter in your life, may it be filled with joy, fulfillment, and countless memorable moments. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

It's bittersweet to say goodbye, but we're incredibly happy for you as you enter this new phase of life. Enjoy every moment of your retirement!

You've worked tirelessly throughout your career, and now it's time to reap the rewards. May your retirement be filled with all the things you love and bring you endless happiness.

Wishing you a retirement that's everything you've dreamed of and more. You deserve it!

You've made an incredible impact during your time with us, and your presence will be greatly missed. We hope you have a fulfilling and joyful retirement!

‍

Retirement Wishes for your Boss

Now let’s not forget, bosses need to retire too! And when such a time comes you don’t want to be the only guy in the office who hasn’t got something to say…

So whether you adore your boss or feel glad to see the back of them, the below messages are perfect for putting in their card:
‍

As you step away from the daily grind, may your retirement be a breath of fresh air and a chance to pursue your passions. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!

Your retirement is well-earned and richly deserved. May you enjoy every moment and the freedom that comes with this new chapter in your life.

Thank you for your years of dedication and hard work. Your positive influence and contributions will be remembered. Wishing you a retirement filled with love, laughter, and fulfilment.

Sending warmest wishes as you bid farewell to your professional life and embrace the joy of retirement. May this next chapter bring you endless opportunities and contentment. Enjoy!

Thank you for everything you have done for me and the rest of our team, we will all miss you dearly! Enjoy your retirement!

If anyone around here deserves to retire it’s you! Congrats!

You’re leaving some big shoes to fill, but enjoy every minute of your retirement!

Congratulations for finally taking the plunge to retire!

Thanks for being a great and inspirational leader. Enjoy your retirement!

You have been a great boss to us all, congratulations on your retirement!

‍

Retirement Wishes for a Friend

When the time comes for a close friend to retire there may be lots you want to say, or perhaps you are all reaching this milestone together and are having a group celebration.

Whatever the emotions, if you use one of the below messages you are sure to tug on the heart strings or give everyone a giggle:
‍

I can’t believe we have reached this time in our lives where it’s normal to retire! Look at us!

Years of hard work have finally paid off and now it’s time to put your feet up and retire!

I’m so proud of us for chasing our dreams and building careers we love, now it’s time for a new adventure together! Happy retirement!

I can’t wait until it’s my turn to retire! But until then, you can find the best wines for us to drink in the sun!

Partners and grandchildren are great, but I know that it’s really me you want to spend your retirement with! Congratulations!

Congratulations on reaching this milestone before me! I’d say you’re old but we’re practically the same age…

Cheers to years of “remember when” stories! Happy retirement!

Here’s to leaving the stress behind and continuing to live your best life! Congratulations on your retirement!

I hope each and every day of your retirement is fulfilling and full of adventures, love and laughter! Congratulations!

Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be! So glad to have a fellow retired buddy to spend my days drinking wine with!

‍

They can spend their entire lives working to support us, and often put their own lives on hold too.

With parents sometimes it can be hard to find the words to say, but a lifetime of work should always be celebrated, so pop one of the messages below into your card:
‍

You have worked hard all of your life to help support us, and there will never be enough thank you’s. Have a happy retirement!

So many years grinding have finally come to an end, we all hope you have a happy retirement!

I couldn’t be prouder to have you as a parent, you have been a shining example to us all. Congratulations on your retirement!

Although it may feel like the end of an era, we are so happy that you are finally taking the leap! Happy retirement!

After watching you work so hard all of these years, I couldn’t be more proud of you. Congratulations on finally deciding to take some time to yourself!

We all know how much you love your work and how much it means to you, but it’s time to celebrate and put your feet up! Happy retirement [Mum/Dad]!

[Mum/Dad] years watching you be so passionate about what you do has truly inspired me and has made me the worker I am today. Happy retirement!

Thank you for everything, now go and enjoy your retirement!

Words won’t do it justice, I am so proud of you. Congratulations on finally retiring!

I couldn’t have asked for a better role model, parent and friend. I am so happy that you will now have all of your time to yourself, happy retirement!

‍

Retirement Wishes for a Partner

I mean in any typical circumstance you may only have to wish your partner a happy retirement once. But then again, they might go back to work or you might change partners - who knows!

Whatever your circumstances are, it’s good to have a few retirement messages up your sleeve:
‍

I have been so proud to be by your side all these years, and I can’t wait to enjoy our retired years together! Happy retirement my love!

What a ride it has been, I’m so glad we got to do it all together. Happy retirement!

It has been a pleasure to watch you grow and expand your career over the years. Happy retirement!

I know that you will struggle to leave your beloved career behind, but I can’t wait for us to enjoy our golden years together. Happy retirement!

We have enjoyed years of hard work, but now it’s time to really enjoy our retirement.

Congratulations to my best friend and life partner! I can’t wait for all of the adventures that we can have together.

I’m so proud of all that you have done and accomplished over the years. Congratulations on your retirement!

It has been years of ups and downs, but every moment has been worth it now that it has led us to this! Happy retirement!

I can’t wait for more years of laughter, fun, adventures and no alarms! Happy retirement!

We have spent years talking and dreaming about this day, congratulations on retiring! I’m next!
‍

General Retirement Wishes

General retirement wishes are a good staple to just have in your back pocket, especially for co-workers you don’t know particularly well.
‍

Congratulations on retiring!

Many happy returns for you and your loved ones as you retire!

Best wishes to you as you retire! Congratulations!

Great to see your years of hard work have paid off! Happy retirement!

I hope you enjoy every minute of your retirement, it is well deserved!

Time to put your feet up, happy retirement!

Life begins at retirement. Congratulations!

We’ll miss having you around but go and enjoy your retirement! Congrats!

Welcome to the golden years, happy retirement!

The best years are yet to come, congratulations on your retirement!

‍

Funny Retirement Wishes

The opportunity may present itself for you to crack a joke inside the retirement card, and when such an opportunity presents itself, you want to be ready.

Now we’re not saying we’re worthy of hosting Saturday Night Live or having a spot on Live at the Apollo, but the below messages are a good start:
‍

I’m so happy for you and not at all jealous…Happy retirement!

What do you call someone who is happy on a Monday? Retired!

You’re retiring? Old timer!

Finally old enough to retire…hopefully you’re not too old to do what you want.

I thought you had to have a job and go to work to retire?

Good to see you’re finally cutting the cord with that place, happy retirement!

Must be great to have a 7 day weekend every week! Congratulations on retiring!

Cheers to never knowing what day it is! Happy retirement!

Now your official work wear can be pajama bottoms and slippers! Congrats!

They say it’s important to have hobbies when you retire. But remember, wine is not a hobby. Happy retirement!

‍

Conclusion

Trading in those long hours at the office (construction site, or theater, or classroom…) is a decision that is definitely up there with buying your first house, getting engaged or having children.

It can be a tough decision, but retirement is something that is always worth celebrating. So whether you’re doing a group gift, individual presents or just a card, one of our messages will help you if you can’t find the words to say.