A farewell letter to a coworker who's leaving, beyond the card signature
Written by hand · Sealed with wax · Sent as one link
The group card gets passed around the office, and everyone writes 'Good luck!' under the same three names. A personal note works because it names one thing only you saw: the way they handled a bad launch week, or how they answered your questions when you were new. Keep it warm and specific, keep it short enough to read at their desk, and leave out anything you would not say in front of your manager.
Free · No sign-up needed · Sent as a link
Ways to begin
“I wanted to write you something longer than a card allows. Working next to you for the past three years made me better at my job, and I don't think I ever told you that.”
“I still remember my second week here, when you sat down and walked me through the billing system without making me feel stupid for asking. That's the kind of colleague you were every day.”
“The team is going to be quieter without you, and the Friday stand-ups are going to be a lot less fun. I'm really glad you got this opportunity, and I'm going to miss working with you.”
What to write
1. Name one specific moment or project you worked on together, such as a deadline you survived or a tricky client call, instead of saying 'it was great working with you.'
2. Keep the tone friendly but professional: skip inside jokes about other colleagues, complaints about the company, and anything about why they are leaving.
3. Close with something practical, like your personal email or LinkedIn, or an offer to be a reference or grab coffee, so the goodbye does not feel final.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How long should a farewell letter to a coworker be?
Around 100 to 200 words is plenty: a few lines on what they meant to the team, one specific memory, a good wish for the next job, and a way to stay in touch. Short and sincere beats long and formal.
Q. Can I send it so only my coworker sees it, not the whole team?
Yes. The letter is sealed and sent as one link, so you can text or email it to your coworker alone. You can also set a password and share it only with them. They open it in a browser with no app and no sign-up, and it's free.