What To Write In A Going Away Card: 65+ Messages

Someone you care about is leaving. And now you’re holding a card, trying to figure out what to say when the right words feel impossible to find. You want to say something real. Something they’ll actually carry with them. Not just good luck, not just we’ll miss you, but something that actually captures what they mean to you and what you wish for them.

Going away cards land differently than most. There’s loss in them, even when the departure is exciting. Even when you’re genuinely happy for the person leaving, there’s something bittersweet about saying goodbye. The best cards hold both of those things at once: the celebration and the ache.

Whether someone is moving cities, moving abroad, starting a new job, retiring, going off to college, or just starting a whole new chapter somewhere else, this list has the right words. Short, long, funny, emotional, for a best friend, for a coworker, for someone you love. Pick the one that sounds like you.

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Table of Contents

Short Going Away Card Messages

Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can write is short and simple. These going away card messages say exactly what needs to be said without overcomplicating it.

We’re going to miss you more than words can say. Go be great out there.

This goodbye is hard but your next chapter is going to be incredible. We’re rooting for you.
Wishing you all the best in everything that comes next. You are so ready for this.
Distance won’t change how much we care about you. Take care of yourself out there.

Go make us proud. We’ll be cheering for you from right here.
The next chapter is waiting and you are more than ready for it. Good luck with everything.

It won’t be the same without you. But we are so happy for you. Go get it.

Wishing you a wonderful new beginning. You deserve every good thing that’s coming.
You’re going to do amazing things. Don’t forget to look back sometimes and know we’re still here.

Goodbyes are never easy but this one comes with so much love. Take it with you wherever you go.

We’re going to miss your face around here. But we’re so proud of you for going.
Wishing you safe travels, new adventures, and so many things worth calling home about.
The world is lucky to be getting more of you. We’re a little jealous, but mostly just proud.

Wherever you end up, you carry a lot of love with you. Don’t forget that.
New place, new chapter, same amazing you. Go enjoy every second of it.
Not goodbye. Just see you later, from a different zip code. We love you.

Wishing you everything good in your next adventure. You have earned every bit of it.
We’ll miss you every single day. But we know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be going.
Thank you for every memory. Can’t wait to hear about the ones you’re about to make. Go!

The distance will be hard. The love won’t go anywhere. Wishing you all the best.
This is just the beginning of something really good for you. We are so happy you’re going.
Go find everything you’ve been looking for. We’ll be right here when you need us.

You’re leaving a big space behind. But you’re going somewhere that’s going to fill you up. We love you.
Wishing you courage, adventure, and all the best things a fresh start brings. Take care of yourself.
You were meant for more than this place. Go find out what that looks like. We’re proud of you.

Long Going Away Card Messages

For when you want to say everything before someone walks out the door. These longer messages hold the full weight of a proper goodbye.

I have been trying to figure out what to write on this card for days, and I keep coming back to the same thing: I am so proud of you. Not just for going, but for everything you’ve done and everything you’ve become. This new chapter is going to be incredible, and you deserve every bit of it. We’re going to miss you more than you know.
It’s strange to think that you won’t be right there anymore. That I can’t just turn around and find you. But I also know that the fact that you’re going means you’re choosing yourself, and there is nothing braver or more important than that. Go do the thing. We will be here celebrating every update from wherever you land.

Goodbyes are complicated when they come from a good place. This one is full of pride and love and the bittersweet kind of missing that comes from genuinely wanting someone to be exactly where they’re going. That’s how I feel about you leaving. So happy for you. So very glad you were here as long as you were.
I don’t think you fully understand what you’ve meant to this place, to these people, and to me. Some people just make things better by being around, and you are one of those people. Wherever you go next is lucky to be getting you. Don’t let anyone make you feel like anything less than that. We love you. Go be great.
I want you to go into your next chapter knowing exactly what you’re carrying with you: years of memories, a whole group of people who love you fiercely, and every bit of belief that you are exactly the right person for whatever comes next. This isn’t the end of anything. It’s the beginning of the part where things really start.

Leaving is never simple, even when it’s the right call. There’s something about stepping away from what’s familiar that takes a certain kind of courage, and you have it. You’ve always had it. I hope you feel how supported you are as you go, and I hope you check in as often as you can. We are going to miss you every day.
There’s something about knowing someone is leaving that makes you want to say all the things you should have been saying all along. So here goes: you are one of the most genuine, warm, and wonderful people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. The world you’re heading into is better for having you in it. Don’t forget to come back and visit.
I’m not great at goodbyes, so I’ll just say this: having you here has been one of the better parts of my life, and I don’t take that for granted. I hope your next chapter brings you everything you’ve been quietly hoping for. I hope you find your people there. I hope you call when things are hard. We love you and we’re cheering for you every step of the way.

When you look back on this time, I hope you see it clearly: how much you gave, how much you grew, how much you were loved. Take all of that with you. Let it remind you who you are when things get hard in a new place. And please know that no matter how far you go, there is a whole group of people here who will always be in your corner. See you on the other side of this adventure.
The thing about a going away card is that it’s supposed to be celebratory and it is. But it’s also a little bit like pressing your hand against a window as someone walks away. Both things can be true. I am so genuinely thrilled for you, and I am going to miss you in a way that will sneak up on me in unexpected moments. Go do amazing things. Come back with stories. We love you.
You came into this chapter of your life and made it richer than it would have been without you. That’s not a small thing. That’s the kind of impact most people spend their whole lives hoping to have. Carry it with you as proof of who you are. And know that the next place you land is going to feel that same richness because of you. We are so grateful for every single day you were here.

Funny Going Away Card Messages

Sometimes the best way to handle a hard goodbye is with a good laugh. These funny going away card messages hit the right note for the people who’d want that from you.

We’re going to miss you terribly. Please feel free to come back anytime, preferably with snacks from wherever you’ve been.
You’re really leaving? Just like that? After everything we’ve been through? Fine. But you better text us back.

Good luck in your new chapter. I hear it’s basically like here but with slightly different problems. You’ve got this.
We held a vote and the results were unanimous: you’re not allowed to leave. Unfortunately we have no authority over this. Congratulations on your new adventure.
The good news: you’re going somewhere exciting. The bad news: we have to deal with this place without you. It’s really your loss, honestly.

Leaving already? We’ve barely started annoying you. This feels very premature.
Wishing you an amazing new chapter with zero technical difficulties, reasonable neighbors, and at least one really good local coffee shop.
You’re leaving and we’re devastated. Or we will be, once we’re done being proud of you. Give us a few minutes.

Remember us when you’re famous. Or when you need someone to tell you you’re doing great. Either works.
On behalf of everyone here: we are so happy for you, we are so jealous of you, and we fully expect detailed updates. Safe travels.
Goodbye from all of us, especially from the people who borrowed things from you and now feel very conflicted about it.

You’re going to do brilliantly out there. Mostly because you always do. But also because you don’t have a choice. We believe in you too much now.
Please know that your leaving has created a vacancy in our hearts that no one else will ever fill. No pressure on whoever tries next. Godspeed.
We’ll miss you. Your laugh especially. And your ability to make everything feel fine when it wasn’t. No big deal. Just, you know. Everything. Have a great time.

Safe travels. Don’t forget where you came from. And maybe don’t forget to let us know you landed. Just once. For peace of mind. Thanks.

Going Away Card Messages for a Coworker

For the colleague who’s moving on to a new role, a new city, or a new chapter entirely. These messages strike the right professional tone while still feeling genuinely warm.

It has been such a pleasure working alongside you. Wishing you all the best in your next role and everything that follows.

You brought so much to this team, more than you probably realize. Wishing you every success in the next chapter.
Working with you has been a highlight of my time here. I hope your new opportunity gives you everything you’re looking for.
The team is going to feel your absence more than words can say. Thank you for everything you contributed and congratulations on what’s ahead.

Wishing you a smooth transition and a wonderful new start. It was a privilege to work with someone as talented as you.
You leave big shoes behind. Wishing you the very best in your new role. Stay in touch.
We’re so excited for you, even if we’re also a little sad for us. Congratulations and thank you for being such a great colleague.

Your hard work, your humor, and your kindness made this a better place to be. Wishing you every success wherever you go next.
Good things are ahead for you. We have no doubt about that. Wishing you all the best and hoping you’ll stay in touch.
It’s not goodbye, it’s just a very long out-of-office message. Wishing you so much success in your next chapter.

Thank you for making this team better every single day. Wishing you all the success you absolutely deserve. Go get it.
You’ve been an incredible colleague and an even better person. Congratulations on the new role. You’re going to thrive.
Wishing you nothing but growth, success, and a boss who actually appreciates you. You deserve all three.

The next team to have you is very lucky. We know because we got to experience it firsthand. Best of luck with everything.
It’s been an honor. Congratulations on your next step. Wishing you everything good in the chapter ahead.

Going Away Card Messages for a Best Friend

For the hardest goodbye of all. These messages are written for a friendship that goes deep, the kind where no distance really changes anything.

You are one of the best things in my life and that is not going to change just because you’re going somewhere else. I love you. Go be amazing. And call me.
I’ve been thinking about what to say and honestly nothing feels like enough. So I’ll just say: you are my person and that doesn’t have an expiration date on it. Go get everything you’ve been chasing.
Watching you go is hard in a way I wasn’t fully prepared for. But watching you stay somewhere that wasn’t right for you would have been harder. Go. I’m proud of you. I’m here whenever you need me.

We’ve been through too much for a little distance to change anything between us. You know that, right? Go live your life. I’ll be right here, same as always, just a time zone or two away.
I am so proud of you for going. It takes courage to choose a new chapter even when the current one is comfortable. That’s you though, always braver than you think. I love you so much. Don’t forget to text.
Some people come into your life and just stay there, no matter what. You are one of those people for me. Go be happy. Go find your people there. And know that you already have one person here who loves you unconditionally. That’s not going anywhere.

Goodbyes with you are not something I’ve ever gotten good at. So I won’t say goodbye. I’ll say: I love you, I’m proud of you, I’ll be there for every phone call and every visit, and you better come back with the best stories. Go.
I already miss you and you haven’t even left yet. That’s how I know what you mean to me. Go have the life you’ve been imagining. I’ll be here cheering louder than anyone else the whole time.
You have been one of the most consistent, real, and important people in my life. That doesn’t stop when you cross a border or move to a new city. It just looks a little different. I love you. Go.

The people who matter stay close even when they’re far away. You know that. So do I. Go enjoy this next chapter and know that I am with you in every single part of it, even the parts I can’t physically be there for.
Best friends are for life, not just for the same zip code. I am here whenever you need me, in whatever timezone you end up in. I love you. Now go do the thing you’ve been dreaming about.
I’m going to miss everything about having you close. Your laugh, your honesty, the way you make hard things feel easier. But I want all of that for your next place too. Go give them the version of you I’ve been lucky enough to know. They don’t know what’s coming. Congratulations.

Going Away Card Messages for a Student Leaving for College

For the young person heading off to the next big chapter. These messages celebrate where they’re going while honoring where they’ve been.

College is going to change you in the best ways. Go in open, curious, and ready for all of it. We are so proud of you.
This is the beginning of something really big and really exciting. You have worked so hard to get here. Go enjoy every second of it.

You are so ready for this, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. Trust yourself. We believe in you completely.
Wishing you great professors, real friendships, and the kind of experiences that shape who you become. Congratulations on this next step.
The world is about to get so much bigger for you. Go explore it. We’ll be right here cheering you on the whole way.

You’ve got everything you need to thrive. Go find your people, do the work, and enjoy the ride. We are so proud of you.
College is one of those things you can’t fully prepare for, and that’s the point. Go in wide open and see what happens. We love you.
This is your time. Go make the most of it. Ask questions. Try things. Show up. We believe in you more than you know.

Wishing you the courage to try things that scare you, the wisdom to know when to ask for help, and the joy of figuring out who you actually are. That’s what this chapter is for.
You’ve been working toward this for a long time. Go enjoy the payoff. And please remember that home is always here when you need it. We love you so much.
The next few years are going to be some of the most formative of your life. Lean into all of it. The hard parts and the good parts. That’s where the growth is. We’re rooting for you every step of the way.

Congratulations on this huge step. You are so much more ready than you think. Go show them what you’re made of. We already know.

Emotional Going Away Card Messages

For the farewell that needs more than surface-level words. These messages sit with the full weight of a goodbye and say the things people most need to hear before someone leaves.

There are some people who leave a place and you feel their absence in ways you didn’t expect. You are one of those people for me. I hope you know what you’ve meant here, and I hope your next chapter gives you everything this one couldn’t.

Saying goodbye to someone you love is never simple. Even when you know it’s right. Even when you’re happy for them. There is still a sting in it that nothing quite fixes. I feel that right now. And underneath it, so much pride and so much love for you.
I don’t want to make this harder than it already is, so I’ll just say the truest thing: you have made my life better for being in it. Whatever comes next for you, I hope it gives you everything you gave to the people around you here. You deserve all of it.
Some goodbyes are endings. This one feels more like a turning point. The start of something new for you that has been a long time coming. I see all of it. I am so proud of you for taking this step. Go live the life you’ve been building toward.

I have never been good at letting people go. But I’ve gotten better at trusting that the people who matter find their way back. You are one of those people. Go. Know that you are loved from right here no matter how far the miles get.
Leaving takes courage. Staying somewhere that isn’t right takes something else entirely, something quieter and sadder. You chose courage. I want you to remember that on the days it gets hard in a new place. You made the brave choice. That matters.
The memories we made together are some of my favorites. I carry them with me the way you carry something warm against the cold. I hope your next chapter gives you just as many. Go make them. We’re all cheering for you.

You might not realize how much of yourself you’ve given to the people and places around you here. But we feel it. We will feel the gap you leave. And we want you to go anyway, because you’ve given enough here and now it’s time to give yourself something new. We love you so much.
I hope you land somewhere that sees you the way we see you. That’s my wish for you. Not just success, not just happiness, but the kind of belonging that makes a place feel like home. You deserve that. Go find it.
Goodbye is not the right word for what this is. It’s too small. What this actually is, is gratitude. For every moment, every conversation, every ordinary day that felt better because you were in it. Thank you. We’ll miss you. Go be great.

A going away card is one of the few chances you get to say the things you might have been meaning to say for a while. It’s worth taking seriously. The person leaving will read it more than once, probably in a quiet moment somewhere new when they need to feel connected to where they came from.

Take whatever felt right from this list and add something personal. A shared memory. An inside joke. Something only the two of you would understand. That’s what turns a good message into something they’ll keep for a long time.

Bookmark this page. And if you’re looking for more words for life’s big transitions and meaningful moments, start with these.

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