Best examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work

Real-world examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you actually need: words you can borrow. These real examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work are written the way people actually talk in offices and on laptops in 2024—not like a stiff HR memo.

Each example of a goodbye email is written so you can:

• Copy it as-is, or
• Swap in your own details, inside jokes, and future plans.

Casual, friendly goodbye email to your work bestie

This is for the person who got your memes, saw your Slack rants, and knew when you needed coffee before you did.

Subject line ideas
“Not a goodbye, just a ‘see you on FaceTime’”
“Leaving the company, keeping the friendship”
“Same chaos, new job”

Email example:

Hey [Name],

I still can’t believe I’m actually typing this, but today’s my last day at [Company]. I wanted to send you a quick note that’s more personal than the all-staff goodbye email.

Working with you has been the best part of this job. From [our daily coffee runs / your legendary reaction GIFs / us surviving that wild Q4 together], you made even the stressful days feel lighter. I’m seriously going to miss turning to your desk (or your Slack window) and saying, “You will not believe this…”

I’m heading to [new company / new city / a short break to reset], but I really want us to stay in touch outside of work. Here’s my personal info:
• Email: [your email]
• LinkedIn: [your profile link]
• Phone: [your number, if you’re comfortable sharing]

Let’s not be those people who say “we’ll keep in touch” and then don’t. Text me the next time something wild happens in a meeting—I fully expect updates.

Thank you for being the kind of coworker who turned into a real friend. I’m so grateful our paths crossed here.

Talk soon (for real),
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work because it balances humor, gratitude, and clear next steps for staying in touch.

Warm team goodbye: examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work

Sometimes your “friends at work” are your whole team—especially in small departments or startups. These examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work help you address a group while still sounding personal.

Subject line ideas
“Signing off (but cheering you on)”
“Grateful for this team”
“Last day feels”

Email example:

Hi team,

As you know, today is my last day at [Company], and I didn’t want to leave without sending a proper thank-you.

Working with this group has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career so far. I’ve learned so much from each of you—from [Name]’s calm under pressure, to [Name]’s creativity, to the way we all pulled together when [big project] almost went off the rails. You’ve made this more than just a job.

I’m heading to [very short description of next step], and I’m excited for what’s next, but leaving this team is definitely the hard part. Please keep in touch—I’d love to hear how things are going and celebrate your wins from afar.

You can reach me at:
• Email: [your email]
• LinkedIn: [your profile link]

Thank you again for the support, the laughs, and the late-night problem-solving sessions. I’m cheering you all on.

With appreciation,
[Your Name]

This example of a goodbye email keeps things professional enough for a group while still sounding like you’re talking to real people you care about.

Short and sweet goodbye email for close colleagues

Sometimes you don’t need a long message—you just want a quick, heartfelt note. These shorter examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work are perfect when you’re slammed on your last day.

Subject line ideas
“Thank you”
“Signing off (for now)”

Email example:

Hey [Name],

I wanted to quickly say thank you before I log off for the last time today. Working with you at [Company] has been a real bright spot for me. I’ve appreciated your support, your honesty, and your sense of humor more than you know.

I’m moving on to [new role / new city / a break], but I’d really like to stay in touch. You can reach me at [your email] or on LinkedIn here: [link].

Wishing you all the good things—you deserve them.

Take care,
[Your Name]

When people search for the best examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work, they’re often looking for something exactly like this: short, genuine, and easy to send.

Goodbye email when you’re leaving due to burnout or life changes

More people in 2024–2025 are stepping away from work for mental health, caregiving, or just to reset. If that’s you, you can still write a kind, honest goodbye without oversharing. This example of a personal goodbye email keeps it real but respectful.

Subject line ideas
“Thank you for everything”
“Stepping away, staying in touch”

Email example:

Hi [Name],

I wanted to send you a personal note before I head out. As you know, I’ve decided to step away from [Company] to focus on [my health / family / a reset and some time off]. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it feels like the right one for me right now.

I’m really grateful that I got to work with you during my time here. Your support, kindness, and willingness to listen made a huge difference—especially on the tougher days. You made work feel more human, and I won’t forget that.

I’ll be off the grid a bit more than usual, but I’d still love to stay connected. My personal email is [your email], and here’s my LinkedIn: [link].

Thank you again for being such a good colleague and friend. I’m rooting for you from the sidelines.

With gratitude,
[Your Name]

If you’re leaving for health-related reasons, you might find it helpful to read general guidance on burnout and stress from sources like the National Institute of Mental Health or the CDC’s mental health resources. You don’t need to mention those details in your email, but it can help you feel more grounded about your decision.

Playful goodbye email for a very close friend at work

If your friendship is built on jokes, memes, and shared chaos, your goodbye email can reflect that tone while still saying something meaningful.

Subject line ideas
“HR said I can’t take you with me”
“Goodbye to my favorite coworker (don’t tell the others)”

Email example:

[Name],

I regret to inform you that you will now have to survive [Company] without me. Please direct all complaints to HR.

Jokes aside, I really wanted to say thank you. You made this job so much better—whether it was [our running joke about meetings that could’ve been emails / your emergency snack stash / us messaging during all-hands]. I honestly can’t imagine having gotten through [that project / that quarter] without you.

I’m off to [new company / new adventure], but there is a 0% chance I’m losing touch with you. Here’s how to reach me outside the company bubble:
• Email: [your email]
• Phone: [your number]
• Social: [Instagram / other, if you want to share]

I expect regular updates, dramatic recaps of meetings, and at least occasional gossip.

Thanks for being the best part of this place.

Your favorite ex-coworker,
[Your Name]

Among the best examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work, this one stands out when your relationship is more like a friendship that just happens to share a paycheck source.

Examples include a manager who became a friend

Sometimes your manager turns into a genuine friend. That can feel tricky to write, because you want to respect the professional side while honoring the personal connection.

Subject line ideas
“Thank you for everything you taught me”
“Grateful for your support”

Email example:

Hi [Name],

Before I go, I really wanted to take a moment to thank you properly. Working with you at [Company] has been one of the highlights of my time here—not just because you were my manager, but because you became a real mentor and friend.

I’ve learned so much from you, from [specific skill or habit] to how you handle tough situations with empathy and clarity. Your support and trust gave me the confidence to take on projects I never would’ve imagined a few years ago.

I’m excited to be heading to [new role / new company], and I know I’ll be using things you taught me for years to come. I hope we can stay in touch as I navigate this next chapter. You can reach me at [your email] or connect with me on LinkedIn here: [link].

Thank you again for being such a big part of my growth here—and for all the real conversations along the way.

With appreciation,
[Your Name]

This example of a personal goodbye email shows how to balance respect, gratitude, and genuine warmth.

Hybrid/remote work: examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work

In 2024 and 2025, a lot of friendships at work are built almost entirely online. If your closest colleagues are people you’ve never actually met in person, your goodbye email can acknowledge that and still feel heartfelt.

Subject line ideas
“From Zoom squares to real friends”
“Goodbye from my home office to yours”

Email example:

Hey [Name],

It still makes me laugh that we’ve never actually met in person, because you’re genuinely one of my favorite people I’ve worked with. As I wrap up my last day at [Company], I didn’t want to disappear from Slack without saying a proper goodbye.

Thank you for all the early-morning calls, late-afternoon brainstorms, and “is it just me or…” messages in between. You made remote work feel a lot less lonely and a lot more like being part of a real team.

I’m heading to [new role / new project], but I’d really love to keep our friendship going beyond Zoom meetings. Here’s how to reach me:
• Email: [your email]
• LinkedIn: [link]
• [Optional: another platform you both use]

Let’s finally meet up in real life if we end up in the same city. Until then, my DMs are always open.

Take care,
[Your Name]

These remote-friendly examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work reflect how modern workplaces actually function now.

How to personalize these examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The best examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work usually share a few simple ingredients:

One: A clear last-day reference.
Mention that it’s your last day or last week so the timing makes sense. This also helps people know when they can still reach you on your work account.

Two: Something specific.
Call out one or two concrete memories: a project you survived together, a joke, a habit, or a moment when they helped you. Specific details are what turn a generic note into a real goodbye.

Three: A short nod to what’s next.
You don’t have to overshare. A simple “I’m heading to a new role in marketing” or “I’m taking some time off to reset” is enough.

Four: How to stay in touch.
Always include at least one way to reach you outside your company email. Most people use email or LinkedIn; some add a phone number if the friendship is closer. For networking tips and how to present yourself professionally online, resources like Harvard’s career services can be helpful.

Five: Your actual voice.
If you normally joke around, keep a little of that tone. If your relationship is more serious and thoughtful, stay in that lane. The real “best examples” are the ones that sound like you, not like a template.

As you look through these examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work, think of them as starting points. Keep the structure, swap in your own stories.

FAQ: examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work

How long should a personal goodbye email to a friend at work be?
Most personal goodbye emails are just a few short paragraphs. Long enough to say thank you, mention something specific, and share your contact info. Many of the examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work above are 150–250 words, which is a comfortable range.

What’s an example of a simple one-line goodbye message?
If you’re really pressed for time, you can send something like:
“Hey [Name], today’s my last day at [Company], but I just wanted to say I’ve really appreciated working with you—here’s my personal email if you’d like to stay in touch: [email].”
Even this tiny example of a personal goodbye email can keep the door open.

Should I mention why I’m leaving in a personal goodbye email?
You can, but you don’t have to. A short line like “I’m heading to a new role at [Industry/Type of Company]” or “I’m taking some time off to focus on family” is usually enough. If the reason involves health or stress, keep it as broad as you’re comfortable with and prioritize your privacy. For general guidance on discussing health and work boundaries, organizations like Mayo Clinic and NIMH offer useful background information.

Is it okay to send different goodbye emails to different people?
Absolutely. Many people send a general farewell to a wider group and more personal messages to close friends. That’s why having several examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work is helpful—you can tailor the tone to each relationship.

When should I send my goodbye emails?
Most people send them on their last day or the day before, during work hours, so colleagues have time to respond. If your last day is packed, you can draft them earlier and schedule them to send.

Use these examples as your scaffolding, not your script. Start with the structure that fits your situation, plug in a specific memory or two, add your contact info, and let your own voice do the rest. That’s how you turn these examples of personal goodbye email examples for friends at work into something that feels honest, warm, and very you.