Last Day at Work Email Sample: How to Say Goodbye Effectively

As you prepare to bid adieu to your current workplace, it’s essential to leave a lasting impression on your colleagues. And what better way to do it than by sending out a well-crafted last day at work email? A thoughtful goodbye note can go a long way in maintaining long-lasting professional relationships.

But if the thought of writing one has you feeling stumped, don’t fret. You don’t have to start from scratch. There are plenty of last day at work email samples online that you can draw inspiration from, and even edit as needed to make it customized to your experience.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of bidding farewell in a professional setting, provide some tips on writing a memorable last day at work email, and share some examples to kick-start your creative process. So, let’s dive in and make your last day at work a memorable one!

The Best Structure for Your Last Day at Work Email Sample

Saying goodbye to colleagues and saying thank you to your employer on your last day at work can be nerve-wracking. However, leaving a good impression with a well-written last day at work email is an excellent way to ensure that you will maintain good relationships with your colleagues and employer, even after leaving the company.

Tim Ferris, an American entrepreneur, and author, suggests using a structured format when writing your last day at work email. This structure includes four essential elements: thanking your employer, expressing gratitude to colleagues, stating intentions for your future, and leaving contact information.

1. Thank your employer:
Begin your email by thanking your employer for the opportunity they gave you to work for the company. Show your appreciation for the experience and skills gained while working with their organization. This shows your professionalism and sets a positive tone for the rest of the email.

2. Express gratitude to colleagues:
Express your gratitude to your colleagues for their support, guidance, and friendship during your tenure at the company. You can mention specific colleagues who have been particularly impactful to you personally or professionally. By expressing your gratitude, you leave a positive impression and confirm good relationships with your co-workers.

3. State intentions for your future:
State your intentions for your next journey or career move, and share a brief summary of your future plans with your colleagues. It’s essential to remain professional in your communication and to avoid mentioning any specific negative experiences that you might have had while on the job. This shows maturity and respect for your past employer.

4. Leave contact information:
Finally, leave your contact information, including phone number and personal email, in case anyone at your former company needs to reach you. Ensure that your contact details are easy to locate to avoid the possibility of future miscommunication.

In conclusion, using Tim Ferris’ structured approach to writing your last day at work email can help ease the situation and leave a positive impression with your former employer and colleagues. A well-crafted email that expresses gratitude, shares your intentions for the future, and leaves your contact information can go a long way when it comes to building professional relationships.

Last Day at Work Email Samples

Resignation Due to Personal Reasons

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I write to inform you that today marks my last day at [Company Name]. Despite the great experience and valuable lesson learnt in this organization, I have decided to resign due to some personal reasons. Therefore, I have already made my plans to vacate the position and move on with my career pursuits.

As I leave today, I want to express my deepest appreciation to you for all the opportunities and support you have provided me along the way. Your leadership and mentorship have served great inspiration throughout my time here, and I am proud to have worked with you.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your incredible team at [Company Name]. I wish you all the best in the future and hope that our paths will cross again someday.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Relocation to Another State

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with mixed emotion that I write this letter to bring your attention to my resignation from my position at [Company Name]. Unfortunately, the circumstances have forced me to make this difficult decision. I have recently been promoted, but my family and I are relocating to another state soon, leaving me unable to continue my work here.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to you and the team at [Company Name] for creating an amazing experience for me during my time here. Your kindness, understanding, and guidance have been invaluable and will forever be cherished.

Thank you again, and I appreciate your integral part in my journey in [Industry Name]. I will miss working with you all and look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Retirement after Many Years of Service

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with a mix of emotions that I announce my official retirement today, making this my last day at [Company Name]. I have had the honor and pleasure of serving in this organization for [Number of Years] years, and it has been an incredible journey. Nevertheless, it is time for me to move on to the next phase of life and enjoy my golden years.

As I leave, I want to express my sincere thanks for the wonderful experience I have had here. I am immensely grateful to everyone I worked with, especially my colleagues and superiors, who have made my stay so complete. Your support, guidance, and mentorship throughout the years were invaluable and helped me to achieve both personal and professional goals.

Thank you again, and I remain proud to have been associated with this company as it has been an integral part of my life for so long. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to keeping in touch with you all.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Moving to a Different Industry

Dear [Manager’s Name],

As I write this letter, my final day at [Company Name], I want to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible opportunity to serve and grow with this organization. After considerable thought, however, I have decided to leave this industry and pursue other interests. Effective today, I will be stepping down from my current role.

I want to thank you and the entire team at [Company Name] for the invaluable knowledge and experience I have gained here, as well as your ongoing support throughout my professional journey. I am proud of my contribution to the success of this company, and I will forever treasure the relationships and experiences I have made during my time here.

Please know that my departure is not a reflection of my experience here, as I will continue to recommend this organization to anyone interested in pursuing their career in this industry. I wish you and the team all the best for the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Completion of Contract

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked at [Company Name] for the past [Number of Months/Years]. However, my contract has now come to an end, and today marks my last day here. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible experience and knowledge I have gained during my time here.

I have immensely enjoyed the time I spent with my colleagues, who have become more like friends to me. They made working with [Company Name] an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for their immense contribution to my professional growth.

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of the exceptional culture and progress that [Company Name] represents. I am proud to have made a part of the team here and wish you all the best in the future.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Returning to School

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to let you know that today marks my last day at [Company Name]. My decision to leave has not been an easy one, but I have decided to pursue a further education opportunity that will require my full attention.

It has been an absolute honor and privilege to work with [Company Name], and I cannot express enough my gratitude to each and everyone for making this a memorable journey. The knowledge and experience I have acquired here over the years have significantly contributed to my personal and professional advancement.

Thank you, once again, for your support and mentorship during my time here. I look forward to the bright future ahead and wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Furlough or Layoff

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from [Company Name]. Due to recent events, my position has been put on furlough, and unfortunately, it has become clear to me that I will need to seek new employment opportunities. Therefore, today, I enter into the final hours of my employment here at [Company Name].

I want to extend my deepest thanks to you and the entire team for providing me with an excellent and fulfilling professional experience. I am proud to have worked with such a noble group of people, and the lessons and camaraderie shared will be with me for many years to come.

Please know that my gratitude for the support, mentorship, guidance, and kindness extended to me here at [Company Name] will forever be my most treasured memory. I wish you, the team, and the organization the very best for the future.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Maximizing Your Last Day at Work Email

Sending a last-day-at-work email can be a delicate task, particularly when you have spent a considerable amount of time with the company. Whether you are leaving for another job or taking time off to travel and explore, it is essential to leave on good terms. A well-written last-day-at-work email will not only help you wrap things up smoothly but also provide a lasting impression. Here are some tips to ensure your last day email is professional and positive:

Be Gracious and Thankful

This is an opportunity to show your appreciation to everyone you have worked with. Take the time to acknowledge the contributions and support of your colleagues, team members, and boss. Express your gratitude for the time spent at the company and the opportunities you have received. Be sure to highlight specific examples of how their guidance has helped you grow as a professional.

Offer a Smooth Transition

Even though you won’t be working with the company any longer, it is crucial to ensure that the handover of your duties is seamless. Offer to complete any outstanding tasks and make sure you provide clear instructions on any projects or tasks you were responsible for. Offer to train someone to take over for you or provide any necessary contact information or materials they may need to complete the job.

Mention Your Contact Information

Include your contact information, especially if you were working with clients or have built professional relationships within the company. This will allow people to contact you in the future, and it is an excellent opportunity to network.

Avoid Negativity

Even if you’re leaving the company on less than ideal terms, it’s essential to keep your last-day-at-work email professional and positive. Avoid criticism or negative comments about the company, your boss, or coworkers. Keep your email focused on the positive experiences you’ve had while working with the company and your expectations for the future.

Brevity is Key

Avoid writing a novel in your last-day-at-work email and stick to the point. Keep your email brief and concise, focusing on the key points you want to convey. Be sure to proofread and edit your email before sending it to ensure it is grammatically correct and free of typos.

In conclusion, your last day at work email is an opportunity to leave a positive impression on your colleagues, team members, and boss. By following these tips, you can make sure that your email is gracious, professional, and helpful, ensuring that your transition out of the company is both smooth and productive.

Last Day at Work Email Sample FAQs


What should be included in a last day at work email?

A last day at work email should include a thank you to colleagues and management, a summary of your achievements, and contact information for future correspondence.

When should I send my last day at work email?

You should send your last day at work email on the day of your departure or a day before, to ensure that your colleagues and management receive it and have time to respond.

Can I mention the reason for leaving in my last day at work email?

It’s up to you to decide whether to mention the reason for leaving in your last day at work email. However, it’s recommended to avoid any negative comments or feedback, and instead focus on the positive aspects of your experience.

How formal should my last day at work email be?

Your last day at work email should be professional and respectful, but it can also reflect your personality and tone. You can use a more casual tone if appropriate, but make sure to avoid any inappropriate language or jokes.

Do I need to mention all my colleagues and management in my last day at work email?

You don’t necessarily need to mention all the colleagues and management in your last day at work email, but it’s recommended to thank those who have had a significant impact on your experience or career development.

Should I include any attachments in my last day at work email?

If you have any relevant documents or files to share with your colleagues or management, you can include them as attachments in your last day at work email. However, make sure to consider the sensitivity and confidentiality of the information before sharing it.

Is it necessary to respond to emails after sending my last day at work email?

It depends on the context and content of the emails. If there are urgent or important issues that require your attention or input, you should respond as soon as possible. However, if the emails are mainly for farewell or best wishes, it’s up to you to decide whether to respond or not.

Say Your Goodbyes with Confidence!

Well, folks, that’s it for now! We hope that this last day at work email sample has helped you in crafting your own goodbye message with confidence and style. Remember to keep it professional, positive, and always grateful. Leaving a job is never easy, but it’s important to remember that every end is also a new beginning. So, thank you for reading, and don’t forget to drop by again. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!