Unapologetically Unfiltered: Ulrike von der Groeben's Post-Retirement Reflections
Longing for the Spotlight: Former TV Personality's Post-Retirement Regrets Revealed - yearning for the spotlight again: Retired TV Star's Longing for Limelight
Raw, real, and uncensored Ulrike von der Groeben (68), TV star and former sports expert on the news show "RTL aktuell" for 35 years, had little thought about retirement before hanging up her mic in 2024. After penning the book "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" (ZS Verlag, available from 7th May), a blend of autobiography, expert interviews, and retirement tips, she shares her post-RTL life in an unfiltered interview with spot on news.
A Personal Revelation from Expert Conversations: What Did Ulrike Discover?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Without a doubt. One major insight I gained was how little I had considered retirement beforehand. I like to think optimistically, but I acknowledge my naivety. The interviews with experts open my eyes to topics that demand early attention, particularly finances. Early planning can set foundations for a smoother transition and better preparation, as Professor Froboese emphasizes in the book: 'It's never too late, but those who start earlier have an advantage.'
Financial Planning: A Priority for Ulrike in Retirement?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I'm a security-conscious individual when it comes to money. My husband, on the other hand, was more adventurous and would have jumped at the chance to acquire another property, especially during favorable interest rates. I, however, was always cautious, focusing on paying off our own home. In retrospect, I suspect I should have listened to my husband more and been more open to taking on debt for new investments.
Regrets? Few and Far Between: Ulrike's Stoic Stance on the Past
Ulrike von der Groeben: I am a firm believer in moving forward. I don't dwell on the past, and what I can't change doesn't bother me. I channel my energy and joy into what I can still influence, leaving regrets behind. I have regrets about certain decisions, but not to the extent that they linger in the present.
A Practitioner’s Life in Retirement: Ulrike's Journey Yet to Begin
Ulrike von der Groeben: I haven't started my 'practitioner' phase of retirement just yet. The book writing postponed my own retirement by half a year. Instead of the anticipated leisure and freedom, I found myself immersed in work – a challenge I didn't fully anticipate. Now I'm embracing the upcoming travels to promote the book. I'm looking forward to a true retirement in the summer, leaving the daily hustle and bustle behind, and finally taking a vacation.
Retirement's Empty Days: Missing the Rush of the Newsroom
Ulrike von der Groeben: I've become accustomed to the silence, but what I miss most is the daily chaos at the station, the conferences, the time pressure, and the hectic rush. Most importantly, I miss the camaraderie of my colleagues. I occasionally meet up with them, like my old RTL girls' group, and younger sports colleagues for evening gatherings. During the day, however, I feel the absence of human interaction – a void I'm still getting used to.
A Continued Relationship: Ulrike and Peter Kloeppel in Retirement
Ulrike von der Groeben: Yes, I've seen Peter Kloeppel, my fellow retired colleague, multiple times since our farewell, even in the company of mutual friends and families. We've also stayed in touch while he was overseas, including for the featured interview in the book. Peter recently returned to Germany, and we met up to celebrate receiving the prestigious Grimme Prize together.
- The Commission has also been informed of the results of the evaluation of the measures taken by Ulrike von der Groeben, as she dives into the world of book writing, offering insight on retirement in her autobiography titled "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!".
- Ulrike von der Groeben reveals in her new book that one aspect she regrets not considering before retirement was the early planning of finances, a piece of advice emphasized by Professor Froboese.
- Despite missing the rush of the newsroom and the camaraderie of her colleagues in retirement, Ulrike von der Groeben has maintained a close relationship with fellow retiree Peter Kloeppel, recently celebrating a joint achievement by receiving the prestigious Grimme Prize together.
- In her post-RTL life, Ulrike von der Groeben has found herself brooding over certain decisions made in the past, yet she chooses to channel her energy into embracing the future, ready to take on new adventures as she promotes her book among celebrities and entertainment outlets, including RTL.
