Good Luck Messages to Say to a Coworker: What to Write When You Actually Care

I remember standing at my coworker’s desk with a card in my hand, pen hovering over the blank space, completely frozen.

Sarah was leaving for a new job, and all I could think of was “Good luck!”—which felt about as meaningful as a corporate email signature. We’d worked together for three years. She deserved better than two words and an exclamation point.

Here’s the thing: saying goodbye to coworkers is weird. You’re not quite friends (or maybe you are?), but you’ve also shared more daily life with them than some of your actual friends. You’ve survived terrible meetings together. You know their coffee order. And now you need to put feelings into words without being awkward.

I get it. Let’s fix this together.

Why Good Luck Messages to Coworkers Matter More Than You Think

When someone’s leaving for a new opportunity, starting a big project, or facing a challenge, they’re probably more nervous than they’re letting on.

Your message might be the one they screenshot and save. The one they read again when they’re doubting themselves at 2am before their first day. I’m not being dramatic—I still have a sticky note from a former coworker that got me through a rough patch.

The difference between a memorable message and a forgettable one isn’t eloquence. It’s specificity. It’s showing you actually noticed them.

Three Rules for Writing Good Luck Messages That Don’t Suck

Rule #1: Mention one specific thing they did well Not “you’re great at your job.” More like “the way you handled that impossible client in March saved all of us.”

Rule #2: Acknowledge the real emotion It’s okay to say “I’m really going to miss you” or “I know this is scary.” Pretending everything is just sunshine and opportunity rings hollow.

Rule #3: Make it about them, not you Yes, you’re sad they’re leaving. But this moment is about their next chapter, not your feelings about their departure.

Good Luck Messages for Coworkers Leaving for a New Job

For the Close Coworker (You’ll Actually Stay in Touch)

Perfect for: Work friends, lunch buddies, the person who knows your life story

• “I’m genuinely happy for you and genuinely sad for me. Their gain is absolutely our loss. Please don’t forget about us when you’re running that place in six months.”
• “Three years of inside jokes, crisis management, and way too much coffee. I can’t imagine this place without you, but I’m so excited to see what you do next. They have no idea how lucky they are.”
• “You made every Monday bearable and every project better. I know you’re going to be incredible there—you always are. Let’s not be those people who say we’ll stay in touch and then don’t, okay?”
• “Remember when we thought [specific shared experience] was going to break us? We survived that. You’ll crush this new role. Still expecting regular texts though.”
• “I’m going to miss having someone who actually gets it sitting three desks away. But honestly? You’ve been ready for this for a while. Go show them what we already know.”
• “You’re leaving me here with [playful reference to office situation]. Rude. But seriously—thank you for making work feel less like work. You’re going to be amazing.”
• “I already know I’m going to have to do that thing where I start texting you about work drama and then remember you don’t work here anymore. Worth it though. You deserve this.”

For the Respected Colleague (Professional but Warm)

Perfect for: Team members, people you collaborate with regularly, cross-department colleagues

• “Working with you has genuinely made me better at what I do. I’ll miss your perspective in meetings, but I’m excited to see you take on this new challenge.”
• “Your attention to detail / creative thinking / calm under pressure has set the bar high for all of us. Best of luck—though I don’t think you’ll need it.”
• “It’s been a privilege working alongside you. You’ve made this team stronger, and I have no doubt you’ll do the same in your new role.”
• “I’ve learned so much from watching how you [specific skill or approach]. Thank you for that, and congratulations on this next step.”
• “You’re leaving big shoes to fill. Wishing you every success—and knowing you’ll find it.”
• “The way you handled [specific project or situation] showed us all what excellence looks like. Best of luck, though something tells me you don’t leave much to chance.”
• “Thank you for being the kind of colleague who makes everyone around them better. Excited to hear about your wins in this new role.”

For the Boss or Manager

Perfect for: Direct supervisors, team leads, mentors

• “Thank you for being a manager who actually listened. You made me better at my job and more confident in my abilities. Best of luck—though you’ve already taught me that success is about preparation, not luck.”
• “You didn’t just manage—you mentored. I’ll carry the lessons I learned from you into every role I have. Wishing you huge success ahead.”
• “Under your leadership, I’ve grown more than I expected. Thank you for seeing potential I didn’t know I had. Best wishes for this exciting next chapter.”
• “You set the standard for what good leadership looks like. I’m grateful for the time working with you and excited to see what you accomplish next.”
• “Thank you for creating a team environment where people actually wanted to show up. That’s rare. Wishing you all the best.”
• “You made tough decisions look easy and always had our backs. I’ll miss that. Best of luck, and thank you for everything.”

For the Casual Acquaintance (You’re Friendly But Not Friends)

Perfect for: People from other teams, occasional collaborators, the person you chat with in the kitchen

• “Best of luck in your new role! Really enjoyed working with you on [specific project]. Wishing you all the best!”
• “Congratulations on the new opportunity! You brought great energy to this place. Best wishes for what’s next.”
• “Wishing you huge success in your new position! It’s been great crossing paths with you here.”
• “Best of luck! I’ve enjoyed our [meetings/conversations/collaborations]. All the best in your next adventure.”
• “Congratulations and best wishes! You’ll be great—here’s to exciting new beginnings!”

Short & Sweet (For Cards with Multiple Signers)

Perfect for: Group cards, quick notes, when space is limited

• “Best of luck! You’ll be missed.”
• “Congrats on the new role! Wishing you all the best.”
• “You’re going to crush it. Best wishes!”
• “So happy for you! Best of luck!”
• “Wishing you huge success. You’ve got this!”
• “Congratulations and all the best ahead!”

Good Luck Messages for Coworkers Facing Big Challenges

Starting a Major Project

Perfect for: New initiatives, leadership roles, challenging assignments

• “You’ve got this. And if it gets messy in the middle (it always does), remember we’ve seen you handle messier. Rooting for you.”
• “Big projects are scary until about week three, when you realize you’re exactly the right person for this. Can’t wait to see what you build.”
• “I’ve seen you prepare for this. You’re more ready than you think you are. Go show them what you can do.”
• “Excited to watch you tackle this. And available for stress-venting whenever you need it. You’re going to be great.”
• “The best part about watching you take this on? Knowing you’re the kind of person who’ll figure it out, no matter what comes up.”

Facing a Difficult Situation

Perfect for: Challenging presentations, tough negotiations, stressful periods

• “I know this isn’t easy. But I also know you—and you don’t back down from hard things. Thinking of you.”
• “You’ve handled tough situations before and come out stronger. This time won’t be different. You’ve got this.”
• “Sending you steady vibes and confidence. You’re more prepared than you feel right now. I’m rooting for you.”
• “Nobody wants to be in this position, but if anyone can navigate it with grace and strength, it’s you. Here if you need anything.”
• “You’re not alone in this, even if it feels like it. We’re all behind you. Best of luck.”

Taking on New Responsibilities

Perfect for: Promotions, expanded roles, stepping up

• “I’m not surprised they chose you—just excited to see what you do with this opportunity. You’re going to be amazing.”
• “You’ve earned this, and you’re ready for it. Wishing you confidence and clarity as you step into this new role.”
• “Watching you grow into this is going to be incredible. Best of luck—and remember to celebrate the small wins along the way.”
• “New responsibilities can feel overwhelming at first, but you’ve proven you can handle pressure. Excited for you.”
• “You’re going to bring something special to this role. Can’t wait to see how you make it your own. Best of luck!”

Build Your Own Good Luck Message (The Formula That Always Works)

When you’re stuck, use this fill-in-the-blanks template:

“[Acknowledgment of the change/challenge] + [Specific thing you appreciate about them] + [Expression of confidence] + [Personal touch]”

Example: “I know leaving is bittersweet + but the way you always brought creative solutions to impossible problems made every project better + I have zero doubt you’re going to thrive in this new role + Let’s grab coffee soon so you can tell me all about it.”

Another Example: “Big presentations are nerve-wracking + but I’ve seen you command a room before + You’re going to crush this + Text me after—I want to hear how it went.”

Good Luck Messages to Avoid Saying to a Coworker

❌ “Good luck! You’ll need it!” (Implies they’re unprepared)

❌ “Don’t forget about us little people!” (Makes their success about your insecurity)

❌ “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” (Sounds like you doubt them)

❌ Generic motivational quotes with no personal connection (They can Google those themselves)

❌ Anything that sounds like you’re reading it off a corporate template (They’ll feel it)

What to Do After You Write the Message

If they’re leaving: Consider adding your personal contact info if you genuinely want to stay connected. “Let’s not be strangers” means nothing without a phone number or LinkedIn connection.

If they’re facing a challenge: Follow up afterward. A quick “How’d it go?” text means you weren’t just being polite—you actually cared.

If it’s a group card: Go earlier in the signing process so you have space to write something meaningful, not just squeeze your name at the bottom.

The Real Secret

The coworkers who remember your message aren’t impressed by fancy words. They’re touched that you noticed them—really noticed them.

You don’t need to be poetic. You just need to be present.

That specific moment when they stayed late to help you. The way they made team meetings less painful. The skill they have that everyone relies on but nobody mentions. The inside joke only your team would understand.

That’s the good stuff. Write that.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coworker Farewell Cards