When leaving a job or community you’ve been a part of, it can be hard to know what to say. A farewell post allows you to express your appreciation and say goodbye in your own words. Here are some tips on what to include and how to craft your message when writing a farewell post.
Reflect on Your Time
Start your farewell post by reflecting on your time with the company or community. Share some of your fondest memories and proudest accomplishments. Be specific and choose a few meaningful moments to highlight instead of giving a lengthy recap. This helps create a personal, heartfelt tone.
Thank People Who Helped You
Part of what makes a farewell post special is taking the time to express gratitude. Thank people who have supported you, mentored you, or worked alongside you. Share how colleagues, managers, or friends have impacted your experience. Consider calling out people by name and describing what you appreciated about them.
Explain Why You’re Leaving
Briefly explain the reasons behind your departure. Are you starting a new job? Relocating? Taking time off? People will be curious about what’s next for you, so satisfy their interest. Keep it positive by focusing on the opportunities ahead rather than the downsides of leaving.
What to Include in Your Farewell Post
When drafting your farewell post, here are some specific things to include:
Announce Your Departure
Don’t just disappear without notice. State upfront that you are leaving and share your last day. This prevents confusion and allows people to prepare.
Share Contact Information
Offer details on how to contact you after you leave, such as your personal email address or social media handles. This enables people to keep in touch.
Express Gratitude
Thank the organization and the people you’ve worked with for the opportunities you’ve had. Be specific about what you’re grateful for.
Highlight Memories
Share meaningful memories, milestones, and accomplishments from your time there. Funny anecdotes or inside jokes are great to include.
Wish Your Team Well
Offer encouragement or optimistic wishes for their future success. This spreads goodwill.
Conclude with Optimism
End on a high note, sharing your excitement for the future. This gives the post an uplifting, forward-looking tone.
Farewell Post Length
When determining the length of your farewell post, keep these guidelines in mind:
Email Farewells
For email farewells, aim for 2-5 paragraphs or around 100-300 words. Be succinct but sincere.
Blog or Online Post
If writing a blog post or online message, you can be a bit more expansive at 300-600 words. Include more details and memories.
Speech
For spoken farewells like toasts or speeches, keep it to 3-5 minutes long at most. Pick a few meaningful stories or reflections to share verbally.
Formatting Your Farewell Post
Proper formatting can make your farewell message more polished and readable. Use these formatting tips:
Structured Sections
Organize your post into clear sections, like an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This improves flow.
Short Paragraphs
Paragraphs with 3-5 sentences are ideal. Blocks of text are hard to read. Break it up.
Subheadings
Use subheadings to organize different topics and call attention to key points.
Numbered or Bulleted Lists
Lists help summarize ideas and make skimming easy. Outline important details this way.
Text Highlighting
Bold, italicize, or underline text periodically to emphasize sentiments. But don’t overdo it.
Review and Edit
Refine grammar, spelling, punctuation, and wording before finalizing your post. First drafts often need polishing.
Examples of Great Farewell Posts
Reading example farewell messages can provide inspiration. Here are excerpts from real-life farewell posts by various professionals:
Heartfelt Goodbye Email
As I embark on a new adventure in Denver, I wanted to thank each of you for your friendship, support, and collaboration over the past 5 years…
Humorous Farewell Speech
From the infamous server crash of 2021 to our Olympic-worthy chair races…
Grateful Farewell Letter
I cannot begin to express my appreciation for the tremendous opportunities I’ve had here. You took a chance on me…
Nostalgic Farewell Blog Post
Saying goodbye is never easy. As I walk out of this office for the last time, my heart is filled with memories…
Farewell Gift Ideas
Consider complementing your farewell words with a gift. Here are some farewell gift ideas for various budgets:
| Farewell Gift Ideas | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Photo album or framed photo of colleagues | $20-$75 |
| Business card holder or portfolio | $25-$50 |
| Engraved pen | $10-$30 |
| Leather journal or notebook | $15-$40 |
| Bottle of wine | $15-$100 |
| Gift card to a favorite restaurant | $25-$100 |
| Bestselling business book | $10-$25 |
Choose a gift that aligns with office culture and your budget. Focus on sentimental value over extravagance.
Saying Farewell Virtually
If you are leaving a remote team or saying goodbye during the pandemic, deliver your farewell message virtually using these methods:
Video Call Farewell
Schedule a video call to say goodbye face-to-face and field real-time reactions.
Recorded Farewell Message
Pre-record a farewell video message to share heartfelt sentiments.
Farewell Email
Send a well-crafted farewell email to the team or company distribution list.
Social Media Post
Post a farewell photo or message via your professional social media accounts.
Digital Farewell Card
Email a digital farewell card with a customized message.
Handling Sensitive Departures
When leaving a company under difficult circumstances, extra care should be taken:
Keep It Professional
Avoid venting frustration. Remain cordial, polite, and neutral.
Don’t Burn Bridges
Refrain from calling out issues or individuals. Your message will live on.
Focus on the Positive
Emphasize the highlights of your time there, not the low points.
Express Gratitude
Find something sincerely positive to say about your experience.
Keep It Simple
Briefly announce your departure without elaboration on context.
Request Discretion
Politely ask colleagues to respect your privacy around the circumstances.
Conclusion
Writing a heartfelt farewell post allows you to properly say goodbye. Use the strategies in this article to craft your message, customize it for your situation, format it effectively, and send it off on a positive note. The time you take to appreciate others and share memories will mean a lot. Although goodbyes can be bittersweet, they open new doors to the future. Your farewell post is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, express gratitude, and pave the way for ongoing connections.