Best examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions

Short, friendly examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions

Let’s start with what most people actually need: short, sincere, copy‑and‑paste‑able messages. These are the best examples for when you’re busy wrapping up projects and don’t have time to write a novel.

Here’s a simple example of a goodbye email to close teammates when you’re moving to a new job:

Subject: Thank you, team ❤️

Hi team,

As some of you already know, Friday will be my last day at [Company]. I’ve accepted a new role at [New Company], and while I’m excited for what’s next, I’ll really miss working with all of you.

Thank you for the support, laughs, and late‑afternoon problem‑solving sessions. This group has made the last [X] years a highlight of my career.

You can reach me at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn here: [LinkedIn URL]. I’d love to stay in touch.

Wishing you all the best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions because it does four things quickly: states you’re leaving, names the reason at a high level, shows specific appreciation, and leaves a door open to stay connected.

Longer, thoughtful examples include notes to your wider department

Sometimes you need something more formal for a larger group or your entire department. This kind of message works well when you’ve been in a role for several years or held a leadership position.

Subject: Farewell and thank you

Hi everyone,

After nearly [X] years with [Company], I’ll be moving on. My last day will be [date]. I’ve accepted an opportunity with [New Company] that aligns with my long‑term goals, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.

I’m deeply grateful for the chance to work alongside such talented, dedicated people. Highlights for me include [brief example or two: launching the new product line, mentoring interns, supporting our 2023–2024 growth]. I’ve learned a lot here that I’ll carry into the next chapter of my career.

During the transition, [Colleague Name] will be your main contact for [projects/clients/processes]. I’ve been working closely with them to make the handoff as smooth as possible.

I’d be happy to stay in touch. You can reach me at [personal email] or on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn URL].

Thank you again for everything,
[Your Name]

In 2024–2025, it’s common to include your LinkedIn profile because professional networking has shifted heavily online. According to surveys summarized by Harvard Business School Online, maintaining digital connections can significantly support your long‑term career growth.

Real examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions to clients

If you work with external clients, partners, or vendors, your goodbye email needs a slightly different tone. You’re representing both your old company and your own professional brand.

Subject: Transition update from [Your Name]

Hi [Client Name],

I wanted to let you know that I’ll be leaving [Company], and my last day will be [date]. It’s been a pleasure working with you and your team over the past [time period]. I’ve truly appreciated your collaboration on [project or account name].

Going forward, [New Contact Name], [New Contact Title], will be your primary point of contact. You can reach them at [email] and [phone]. We’ve been working together to ensure a smooth transition so your projects continue without interruption.

Thank you again for the partnership and trust. I wish you and your team continued success.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Former Title] | [Company]

This example of a goodbye email balances professionalism and warmth, and it reassures the client that they’re not being abandoned. That reassurance matters: research summarized by the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights how consistent communication supports long‑term customer relationships.

Examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions when you’re laid off

Layoffs have been a big part of the 2023–2025 job landscape, especially in tech, media, and startups. Saying goodbye after a layoff can feel emotionally loaded, but you can still send a thoughtful note that protects your reputation and keeps doors open.

Subject: Farewell and thank you

Hi everyone,

As many of you know, my role was impacted by the recent organizational changes, and my last day at [Company] is [date]. While this isn’t how I imagined my time here ending, I’m grateful for the chance to work with such a talented and supportive group of people.

I’m proud of what we accomplished together, especially [brief example or two: launching X feature, supporting customers through Y change, improving Z process]. I’ve learned a lot and will take those lessons into whatever comes next.

I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [field/role]. If you hear of anything that might be a fit, I’d truly appreciate you keeping me in mind. You can reach me at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn URL].

Thank you again for the support, friendship, and collaboration. I hope our paths cross again.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

Among the best examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions, this one shows how to acknowledge a layoff honestly without burning bridges or oversharing. It also gently invites networking help without sounding desperate.

If you’re leaving for health or family reasons, you might adapt that template to say you’re “taking time to focus on health and family” instead of mentioning layoffs. If you’re navigating health challenges, trustworthy information from sources like Mayo Clinic can help you frame your priorities clearly when you talk with colleagues.

Hybrid and remote work: examples include messages to distributed teams

In 2024–2025, many teams are hybrid or fully remote, spread across time zones. You may never have met some coworkers in person, but you still want to send a meaningful goodbye.

Subject: Signing off from [Your Name]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share that I’ll be leaving [Company], and my last day will be [date]. Working with a global, remote team like this has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Even though most of our interactions have been through Zoom, Slack, and email, I’ve felt genuinely supported and connected.

Thank you for the collaboration across time zones, the thoughtful async feedback, and the patience with my [time zone] scheduling quirks. I’ve learned a ton from you all.

I’d love to stay in touch. You can reach me at [personal email], on LinkedIn [link], or on [other professional platform, if relevant].

Wishing you all continued success,
[Your Name]

This is another example of a goodbye email that fits modern work realities: it acknowledges remote tools, async work, and time zones, which instantly makes it feel more current and personal.

Examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions when you’re changing careers

Sometimes you’re not just changing companies—you’re changing direction entirely. Maybe you’re leaving corporate life to teach, start a business, or go back to school. In that case, your goodbye email can briefly explain the shift without turning into a life story.

Subject: Moving on to a new chapter

Hi all,

I’m writing to share that I’ll be leaving [Company], with my last day on [date]. After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to transition into [new field/plan: “graduate school in data science,” “full‑time freelance work,” “a role in the nonprofit sector”].

This was not an easy decision. Working with this team has shaped my skills and my confidence in ways I didn’t expect. I’m especially grateful for [one or two specific experiences, mentors, or projects].

I hope our paths will cross again, even as I explore this new chapter. Please feel free to reach out at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn: [link].

Thank you for being a meaningful part of my journey,
[Your Name]

Among real examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions, this kind of message works well because it’s honest about the change without sounding like a dramatic manifesto. It leaves colleagues with a clear sense of where you’re heading and how to reach you.

Retirement: a warm example of a goodbye email to close a long chapter

Retirement emails often carry more emotion because they close out an entire stage of life. You can still keep things simple and grounded.

Subject: Thank you for an incredible journey

Dear colleagues,

After [X] years with [Company] and [Y] years in this industry, I’ve decided it’s time to retire. My last working day will be [date].

It’s hard to put into words how much this place has meant to me. I’ve had the privilege of working with multiple generations of talented people, watching the organization grow and change. I’m especially proud of [one or two accomplishments or memories].

While I’m looking forward to more time with family, travel, and new hobbies, I’ll miss the daily interactions, hallway conversations, and shared problem‑solving that have been part of my life for so long.

Please feel free to keep in touch at [personal email]. I’d love to hear how you and the company continue to grow.

With appreciation,
[Your Name]

This is a gentle example of a goodbye email that acknowledges the weight of the moment without becoming overly sentimental.

How to customize these examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions

You don’t need to copy any of these word‑for‑word. Think of them as scaffolding. The best examples are the ones you adapt so they sound like you.

Here’s a simple way to customize any example of a goodbye email:

Start with your audience. Are you emailing your immediate team, the whole company, or outside clients? That determines tone. Teammates can handle a joke about the coffee machine. Clients probably should not.

Decide how much detail to share. In 2024–2025, people are more open about mental health, caregiving, and career changes, but you still control your boundaries. A simple line like “I’m taking some time to focus on family” is usually enough. For guidance on talking about health at work, the National Institutes of Health has resources on privacy and communication that can help you think through what you want to disclose.

Name 1–3 specific memories or wins. Instead of saying “I’ve learned a lot,” mention a project, a launch, a crisis you handled together, or a mentor who helped you grow. These specific details make even short goodbye emails feel real.

Invite connection, but only if you want it. If you genuinely want to stay in touch, add your personal email and LinkedIn. If you don’t, you can simply say, “I wish you all the best moving forward.”

Keep the tone consistent with how you actually communicate. If you’re usually informal, a stiff, corporate goodbye will feel off. If you’re in a very formal industry, keep the exclamation points and emojis to a minimum.

When you look back at the best examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions, they all share the same core ingredients: clarity, gratitude, and a clear sign‑off.

FAQ: Short answers and more examples

What are some short examples of goodbye email lines I can use?
Some quick, reusable lines include: “I’ve appreciated the chance to work with you,” “Thank you for your support and collaboration,” “I’ve learned a lot from this team,” and “I hope our paths cross again.” You can drop any of these into the examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions above.

Can you give an example of a very short goodbye email?
Yes:

Hi team,

Tomorrow is my last day at [Company]. I’ve really enjoyed working with you all and appreciate everything I’ve learned here. You can reach me at [personal email] if you’d like to stay in touch.

All the best,
[Your Name]

Should I send different goodbye emails to my manager and my peers?
Often, yes. Many of the best examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions use a more formal, detailed note for managers and leaders, and a warmer, more personal version for close teammates.

Is it okay to mention why I’m leaving?
Usually yes, as long as you keep it positive or neutral. Saying “I’ve accepted a new role,” “I’m taking time for family,” or “I’m starting a new chapter in [field]” is enough. Avoid criticizing the company, leadership, or coworkers.

When should I send my goodbye email?
Most people send it on their last day or the day before, after they’ve told their manager and HR. That timing gives colleagues a chance to respond while you’re still there.

If you skim through these real examples of goodbye email examples for job transitions and pick one that’s close to your situation, you’re already 80% of the way there. Tweak the opening, add one or two specific memories, decide how much you want to share about your next step, and you’ll have a goodbye email that feels honest, professional, and very much like you.