What Is a Retirement Letter and What Should It Include?
A retirement letter is a formal written notice to your employer stating your intention to retire and end your employment. A strong letter includes a clear statement of your intent to retire, your last working day and the notice period you are giving, an expression of gratitude for your time with the company, and an offer to help with the transition or training of your replacement. Keeping it professional and positive protects your relationships and any future references. Sample retirement letters and ready-to-use templates follow below.
Last updated: July 2026
Are you ready to say goodbye to working full-time? You’re not alone.
Since COVID-19 began, the retirement rate of Baby Boomers has accelerated significantly. Specifcally, nearly 29 million boomers retired in 2020. In comparison with 2019, this is an increase of more than 3 million. And, what’s more it’s expected that 75 million Baby Boomers will be retiring by 2030. By 2026, the Great Resignation continues reshaping employment patterns, with retirement letters becoming increasingly strategic documents for negotiating early retirement packages and financial literacy improvements before departure. Before you send your letter, it helps to confirm the numbers behind your decision: run through whether you are able to retire at age 55, review any employer pension benefits you have earned, and consider shifting savings toward low-risk investments as your last day approaches. Once the paperwork is done, you can start planning the fun part with these retirement party ideas.
