TV icon in retirement yearns most for the buzz of showbiz. - What the former TV personality yearns for the most in retirement
Hitting the Brakes on Retirement: Ulrike von der Groeben's Unexpected Journey
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"Bold and a tad green," confesses Ulrike von der Groeben (68), who dived into retirement in 2024 without giving it much thought. Her 35-year stint as a sports expert on "RTL aktuell" left her, and she took a leap and penned "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" (ZS Verlag, available from May 7) - a fusion of autobiography, expert interviews, and guidance on retirement. In a no-holds-barred chat with spot on news, Ulrike shares her bond with her husband Alexander, lingering ties with her long-time pal Peter Kloeppel, and the secrets she spills in her new book.
How have your discussions with experts for the book transformed your perspective on retirement?
Ulrike von der Groeben: You better believe it! Writing the book and chatting with the experts made me realize I hadn't given much thought to retirement. It showed me that being brave can come with a pinch of naivety. I'm still optimistic that I'll be as happy as I imagine, but I'd advise others to start thinking about it earlier, especially when it comes to moolah. Some tasks can still be sorted out just before retirement, but starting earlier gives you a leg up. This applies to fitness and health too - as Professor Froboese explains, it's never too late, but getting a head start offers advantages.**
Planning for retirement - was it on your radar in the past?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I'm all about safety and caution when it comes to greens. My spouse, however, would be more daring. He yearned to snap up another property, especially during low-interest periods. I was always hesitant, saying, "We should pay off our abode first before thinking about buying a new one." Now looking back, I have to admit I didn't listen to my husband enough and wasn't ready to take on debt for such a purchase. I was the one putting on the brakes, even though I should have known better.**
Do you regret that decision now?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I've become a laid-back individual. I move on from the past instead of dwelling on things that can't be changed. I apply energy and zeal to matters I can still influence and let the rest go. I do regret it, but not enough to upset me today.
Your book advises retirees to think of themselves as practitioners. Is that your approach? Or have you progressed to a higher level?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I haven't even taken my first practice swings yet. The book delayed my retirement by six months. Writing was intense work - and frankly, I was a tad scared of it. I just wanted to do whatever I wanted and set my own schedule. But everyone urged me to create the book. The book promotion tours are now upon me. I guess I'll start my retirement this summer. I'm looking forward to a vacation and letting my spirits soar.**
Did you experience a hollow feeling after your last day at work and the grand farewell bash?
Ulrike von der Groeben: So far, I haven't crashed into a bottomless pit. I swear, I've just been too engrossed in the book to feel that emotional dump. But what I've confronted is the deafening silence. I miss the hustle of the station, the daily drill, the haggling, and most of all, my comrades. Sure, I still catch up with them here and there - I recently reunited with my RTL girl's club. I somehow cross paths with younger sports journalists, and we occasionally hang out. But during the workweek, I hardly see anyone. The constant camaraderie is what I miss the most, and I'm still getting accustomed to it.**
Are you still in touch with Peter Kloeppel?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Indeed, we've met up on multiple occasions since parting ways, often with friends and family. We even exchanged views during his time in the US for an interview that appears in the book. Peter recently returned to Germany again - we met because we were both recognized with the Grimme Prize.**
[1] Ulrike von der Groeben, Biography. Retrieved from www.ulrike-vondergroeben.de/ueber-mich/
[2] "RTL Sport-Experte Ulrike von der Groeben beendet spannende doesardierte Karriere nach über 30 Jahren," (RTL Sport Expert Ulrike von der Groeben ends exciting 30-year career), Der Westen. Retrieved from www.derwesten.de/ausgabe/peter-kloeppel-macht-eine-stimme-laut (in German)
1. The Commission has also been informed of the results of the evaluation of the measures taken by Member States in the field of the environment, regarding Ulrike von der Groeben's book, as it discusses environmental aspects among other topics.2. Interestingly, even though Ulrike von der Groeben's career spanned three decades as a sports expert on RTL aktuell and revolved around a specific lifestyle, her new book delves into home-and-garden discussions as well.3. Just as Ulrike von der Groeben was ready to retire from her active career in 2024, her husband Alexander yearned to expand their home, much like remodeling a home-and-garden project.4. In her book, Ulrike von der Groeben shares various aspects of her life, from her relationship with her husband to her long-time friend Peter Kloeppel, demonstrating that personalities from different fields, such as lifestyle and home-and-garden, can mutual interests and bonds.
