New chapter messagesJob change
Congratulations messages for a new job · what to write to a colleague or friend who's leaving
Congratulating someone on a new job is different from a farewell message. It's written by the people staying, not the person leaving, and it leans more toward cheering on what's next than mourning what's ending. The hard part is always what to say after "congratulations."
What you can say depends on whether you're a coworker, an outside friend, or a boss you reported to. Add the new company's name and one memory from working together, and it stops sounding like something you could send anyone.
For a coworker
Mix in complaints about the company and the congratulations reads like gossip. Leave out how things are for those staying and talk only about what's ahead for the person leaving.
- Congrats on the new job. I learned so much sitting next to you.
- If you work there the way you did here, you'll settle in fast. Congratulations.
- All those late nights together are good memories now. Congrats on the fresh start.
- Congratulations. I hope you find a coworker like [name] there too — that's what you were to me.
- Hearing the news made me as happy as if it were my own. Congratulations, truly.
- Your new team is lucky — the mood there is about to improve. Congratulations.
- When I heard the name of the company, I thought "of course." Congratulations, it suits you.
- I'll miss our lunches, but I'll be cheering you on for your first day.
- This team made it through a lot of days because of [name]. Your new team will feel the same.
- Congratulations. Tell me how the first week goes.
For a friend
Ask about salary or title only after the congratulations — and only if your friend brings it up first.
- Congrats on the new job! I know how much work went into this.
- Feels like just yesterday you were nervous about the interview, and now you're in. Congrats.
- I'll text you on your first morning at the new place, just to help you loosen up.
- I'm thrilled you're finally doing the work you wanted. Congratulations!
- Dinner's on me to celebrate — just pick a date.
- You made the right call. They'll see what you're really worth over there.
- Congrats. Save me a business card once you get one — I'll frame it.
- After all that agonizing, you landed somewhere great. Well done, congrats.
- Can't wait to see you talk about work with a smile again. Congrats.
- Congrats on the fresh start. Call me anytime it gets rough, okay?
For a boss or mentor
Skip openers like "I heard you're changing jobs" that sound secondhand — start with a direct congratulations instead.
- Congratulations on the new position. I won't forget everything you taught me.
- I have no doubt you'll take on a big role at your new company. Congratulations, sincerely.
- The time I spent working with [name] has been a real asset to my career. Congratulations.
- You made a great decision. I hope you go even further in your new role.
- Congratulations. I'd love the chance to work together again someday.
- Hearing the news, congratulations came before any sense of loss. Please stay well.
- Your new company is lucky to have you. Congratulations, and best wishes ahead.
- I'll put what you taught me to good use. Congratulations on the fresh start.
One-line group chat message
Long messages get buried in a group chat. One line with a name in it sticks the longest.
- Congrats on the new job, [name]! Your new company's about to get its own [name] fan club.
- Congratulations, [name] — cheering on the fresh start 🎉
- Congrats on the new job! Good luck on your first day.
- Congratulations on the new role, [name]. You'll be the best there too!
- Congrats! Waiting for a photo of that new business card.
- Congrats on the new job 🎊 Different company now, but lunch is still on.
- Congrats on the fresh start. Keep the good news coming.
Only for messages to someone changing jobs
Name the new company once
"At [Company]" reads far more personal than a generic "at your new company." If the name isn't public yet, keep it as "your new role" and mention what they'll be doing instead.
Leave out how things are for those staying
"What are we going to do without you" or "I wish I could leave too" aren't congratulations — they're complaints. In the message itself, talk only about what's ahead for the person leaving; save how things are for the rest of you for a separate conversation.
One shared moment
One specific moment you both remember — like the night you prepped for that presentation — outlasts ten lines of generic well-wishing. If several people are contributing, have each person pick a different moment.
For tips that work for anyone, visit the New chapter message collection .
Found your words? Give them a place to gather.
Chuka's New Chapter party is an online rolling paper where friends and coworkers each show up as a pixel character and leave a line. Messages stay hidden from each other in the waiting room and unfold one by one when the guest of honor opens the reveal link. Time it for their last day at the old job or first day at the new one.