The best examples of end of contract goodbye email (that don’t sound awkward)

Short, polished examples of end of contract goodbye email

Let’s start with what you probably came for: clear, copy‑and‑paste‑able examples. Then we’ll unpack when and how to use each one.

Here’s a short, professional example of an end of contract goodbye email you can send to your immediate team:

Subject: Thank you

Hi team,

As my contract wraps up on [last day], I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to work with you over the past [time period]. I’ve really appreciated the collaboration, support, and trust you’ve shown me.

I’ll be moving on to new projects, but I’d be glad to stay in touch. You can reach me at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn: [profile link].

Wishing you all the best,

[Your name]

This is one of the best examples of how to keep things simple: clear subject line, gratitude, a quick mention of what’s next, and a way to stay connected.

Warm and friendly example of end of contract goodbye email to close colleagues

Sometimes you’ve built real relationships and a generic goodbye feels wrong. In that case, you want a warmer tone. Here’s an example of end of contract goodbye email that feels more personal but still professional.

Subject: Wrapping up & staying in touch

Hi everyone,

As many of you know, my contract ends on [last day], so this week will be my last with [Company/Team]. I just wanted to say a genuine thank you for making this such a rewarding experience.

Working with you on [project or area] has been a highlight for me. I’ve learned a lot from this team—especially around [specific skill, tool, or process]—and I’m grateful for how welcoming and supportive you’ve all been.

I’ll be taking some time to [brief note about next step, optional], but I’d really like to keep in touch. You can find me on LinkedIn at [link], or reach me at [personal email].

Thank you again for everything. I’m cheering you on from the sidelines.

Best,

[Your name]

Examples of emails like this work well when you’ve been embedded in a team for months (or years) and want to acknowledge that relationship without oversharing.

Formal examples of end of contract goodbye email for leadership and clients

If you’ve been working with senior leadership, external clients, or a more traditional organization, a slightly more formal tone is safer. Here’s a good example of how to strike that balance.

Subject: End of contract and thank you

Dear [Name/Team],

I’m writing to let you know that my contract with [Company/Organization] will conclude on [last day]. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to support [project/department] during this period.

Over the course of our work together, I’ve valued the chance to contribute to [specific initiative or result] and to collaborate with such a dedicated team. Thank you for your trust and partnership.

After my contract ends, I can be reached at [personal email] or via LinkedIn: [link]. I hope our paths cross again in the future.

With appreciation,

[Your name]

[Role, e.g., Contract Project Manager]

This is one of the best examples of an end of contract goodbye email for situations where you want to keep things polished and a bit more distant, while still sounding warm and grateful.

Examples of end of contract goodbye email for freelancers and consultants

Freelancers and consultants often have repeating clients, so your goodbye email should leave the door open without sounding like a sales pitch. Here’s an example of end of contract goodbye email tailored to that reality.

Subject: Thank you for the opportunity

Hi [Client name],

As our current contract for [project or service] comes to an end on [last day], I wanted to thank you for the chance to work with you and your team.

I’ve really enjoyed helping with [brief description of work/results], and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. If you’d like to explore future projects or need support down the road, feel free to reach out any time.

You can contact me at [personal email], and my portfolio and latest services are always updated here: [website link].

Thanks again, and I wish you continued success with [company or project].

Best regards,

[Your name]

[Your role/business name]

Examples include this kind of soft “open door” language: no pressure, but a clear reminder that you’re available.

Examples of end of contract goodbye email when you want to highlight achievements

Sometimes you want your goodbye note to quietly remind people what you contributed—especially if you may want references or future work. Here’s an example of email that does this without sounding like a brag.

Subject: Thank you & next steps

Hi [Team/Name],

As my contract wraps up on [last day], I wanted to say thank you for the chance to work with you over the last [time period].

Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve done together, especially:

• Launching [project or product]
• Improving [process or metric]
• Collaborating across [teams/regions] to get things done

None of this would have been possible without your support and collaboration, and I’m grateful I could be part of it.

I’ll be focusing on [brief next step], but I’d be happy to stay in touch or help with transitions where needed. You can reach me at [personal email] or on LinkedIn: [link].

Thank you again for the opportunity.

Best,

[Your name]

When people look for the best examples of end of contract goodbye email, they often forget this angle: a short, factual reminder of results helps people remember your impact later when they’re asked for references or thinking about rehiring.

Light, positive examples of end of contract goodbye email for a friendly culture

In a relaxed, friendly workplace, a stiff goodbye can feel out of place. Here’s an example of end of contract goodbye email with a lighter touch that still respects boundaries.

Subject: Signing off (for now!)

Hey team,

Just a quick note to say that my contract officially wraps up on [last day], so this week is my last with [Team/Company].

Thank you for making this such a fun and supportive place to work. I’ve loved working on [project], learning [tool/skill], and laughing with you all on [Slack/Teams/Zoom].

I’ll be moving on to [short note about what’s next, optional], but I’d really like to stay in touch. You can find me on LinkedIn ([link]) or email me at [personal email].

Please keep me posted on how [project/launch] goes—I’m rooting for you.

Take care,

[Your name]

Examples of emails like this work best when you already know the culture is casual and people email this way all the time.

Very short examples of end of contract goodbye email (when you don’t want a big fuss)

Not everyone wants a long farewell. Maybe you were only there for a short period, or you prefer to keep things low‑key. Here’s a short example of email that still checks all the boxes.

Subject: Thank you

Hi all,

My contract ends on [last day], so I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to work with you.

I’ve appreciated the chance to contribute to [team/project] and to get to know you. If you’d like to stay in touch, you can reach me at [personal email] or on LinkedIn ([link]).

Wishing you all the best,

[Your name]

Sometimes the best examples of goodbye emails are the simplest ones; you’re signaling closure, appreciation, and a way to stay connected, and that’s enough.

How to choose between these examples of end of contract goodbye email

Now that you’ve seen several real examples, the question is: which one fits your situation?

Think about three things:

Audience. Are you writing to your immediate team, your manager, the whole company, or external clients? For leadership and clients, choose the more formal examples of end of contract goodbye email. For peers and close colleagues, the warm or slightly casual examples work better.

Length. If you’ve been around for a while or played a big role, a slightly longer email that mentions specific projects makes sense. If your contract was short or your role narrow, the shorter example of email is perfectly fine.

Tone. Match the company culture. If everyone writes like a legal memo, keep it formal. If your team uses GIFs and inside jokes all day, a more relaxed goodbye will feel more natural.

You can also mix and match: send a formal example of end of contract goodbye email to leadership and clients, and a warmer, more detailed one to your immediate team.

Practical tips to customize your goodbye email in 2024–2025

Work communication norms keep shifting—more remote work, more contractors, more Slack and Teams, less in‑person goodbye cake. A few up‑to‑date tips:

Send it near your last day. Usually 1–3 business days before your contract ends is ideal. That gives people time to respond and say goodbye without dragging it out for weeks.

Use your work account. Send the goodbye email from your official work address so it looks legitimate and reaches everyone. Include your personal email and LinkedIn so people can contact you after your access is removed.

Check any policies. Some organizations have guidelines about mass emails or external contact. If in doubt, ask HR or your manager. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management, for example, provides general guidance on professional conduct for federal employees that’s a good reminder to keep your tone respectful and neutral about internal matters: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/

Avoid complaints or oversharing. Even if your experience was rough, the goodbye email is not the place to unpack it. Research on professional communication from universities like MIT and Harvard emphasizes long‑term reputation and relationships—your message may be forwarded or revisited later. For a general perspective on workplace professionalism, Harvard’s resources on communication and leadership can be helpful: https://extension.harvard.edu/

Protect your privacy. Share a personal email you’re comfortable using for professional contacts and a LinkedIn profile. You don’t need to give out your phone number unless you truly want to.

Common mistakes to avoid (with better examples)

When people search for examples of end of contract goodbye email, they often copy something that accidentally sends the wrong signal. Watch out for:

Sounding bitter or passive‑aggressive.

Bad version:

“Since my contract is not being renewed, I guess this is goodbye.”

Better example of email:

“My contract will be wrapping up on [last day], so I wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to work with you.”

Oversharing personal details.

Bad version:

“I’m leaving because I’m burned out and my manager didn’t support me…”

Better example:

“I’ll be taking some time to focus on my next steps, but I’m grateful for what I’ve learned here and the people I’ve worked with.”

Forgetting to mention your last day.

People need clarity. Always include the exact date your contract ends.

Sending one email to everyone when you need more than one.

Often, the best examples of goodbye emails involve two messages: one tailored to your manager or key stakeholders, and a more general one to your broader team.

FAQ about end of contract goodbye emails

How long should an end of contract goodbye email be?
Most good examples of end of contract goodbye email are 150–300 words. That’s enough to say thank you, mention your last day, and share contact info without turning it into a novel.

Who should I send my goodbye email to?
Send at least one email to your immediate team and your manager. If you worked closely with other departments or external clients, consider a separate, more tailored example of email for them. Avoid spamming the entire company unless that’s normal where you work.

Can I mention my next job or project?
Yes, briefly. Something like, “I’ll be moving on to a new role in data analytics” or “I’ll be focusing on freelance design work” is enough. Career resources from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs) emphasize professional transitions; you don’t need to name your new employer if it feels sensitive.

Do I need different examples of goodbye email if I worked remotely?
Not really, but you might acknowledge it: “Even though we’ve only met on Zoom, I’ve really appreciated working with you.” The structure of the email stays the same.

What are some quick examples of lines I can reuse?
Examples include:

• “Thank you for the opportunity to work with you over the past [time period].”
• “I’ve learned a lot from this team, especially about [skill or area].”
• “You can reach me at [personal email] or on LinkedIn ([link]).”

Use these as building blocks to customize your own message.

If you keep your message clear, appreciative, and short, any of these examples of end of contract goodbye email will work well. Pick the tone that matches your relationship with the team, plug in your details, and you’ll have a goodbye that feels respectful, confident, and genuinely you.