Retirement Regrets: What a Popular TV Personality Pines For Now - The retired TV personality yearns for what he misses dearly.
Rewritten Article:
Ulrike von der Groeben: Brave but a Tad Naive
"Brave but a Tad Naive": Ulrike von der Groeben (68) hadn't given retirement much thought until she made it a reality in 2024. She spent 35 years as a sports expert on the news show "RTL aktuell." After her departure, she penned a book titled "Freedom Begins Now!" published by ZS Verlag, starting May 7 - a blend of autobiography, wisdom, and expert interviews on retirement. In an interview with spot on news, Ulrike von der Groeben shares her thoughts on the post-RTL life, where she held her husband Alexander von der Groeben (69) back, and how much contact she still maintains with her long-time colleague Peter Kloeppel (66).
What Did You Learn From Writing "Freedom Begins Now!"?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Definitely. Writing and consulting experts helped me understand how unprepared I was for retirement. It was bold, but a bit naive. Still, I'm optimistic that I'll lead a fulfilling post-career life. However, I'd advise others to plan ahead — especially with finances. Although some things may be sorted out shortly before retirement, starting earlier offers numerous benefits. This applies not only to finances but also to fitness and health — as highlighted by Professor Froboese in the book: It's never too late, but an early start gives you an advantage.
Was Planning for Retirement Important to You in the Past?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I'm financially cautious and conservative. My husband, on the other hand, would take more risks. He wanted to invest in another property when interest rates were favorable. I held back, saying, "We should settle our own home first before considering something new." Looking back, I admit I didn't listen to my husband enough and wasn't ready for more debt. I was the mainsail, even though I should have known better.
Do You Regret That Now?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I've learned to be calm and focused on the present. I wouldn't dwell on things I can't change. I'd rather put my energy into opportunities I can still control. I do feel some regret, but it's not a weight on my shoulders anymore.
Your Book Suggests Seeing Oneself as a "Practitioner" at the Beginning of Retirement. Does That Still Apply to You?
Ulrike von der Groeben: No, I haven't even started yet. Writing the book delayed my retirement by six months. I was a bit scared at first - I just wanted to do what I felt like without expectations. But everyone encouraged me to write the book. Now there are promotional events taking place. I think I'll finally start living carefree in the summer. I'm excited to travel and unwind.
Were You Ever Overwhelmed After Leaving Work and the Final Farewell Party?
Ulrike von der Groeben: No, I felt relieved and looking forward to having more time for myself and my interests. I appreciated the change of pace and the freedom to decide my own schedule. Of course, I missed the camaraderie with my colleagues, but I stay in touch with many of them. I also found new ways to connect and engage, like volunteering and taking up new hobbies. So, I didn't feel like I was falling into a hole - rather, I felt like I was starting a new chapter in my life.
- The Commission has been informed that Ulrike von der Groeben, after penning an autobiographical book, realized the measures she took for her retirement were bold yet somewhat naive.
- Despite being a financial conservative, Ulrike von der Groeben admits she didn't take heed when her husband suggested investing in a new property, thus delaying their readiness for more debt.
- Ulrike von der Groeben's book suggests the importance of viewing oneself as a "practitioner" in the initial stages of retirement, but she discloses she has not yet fully embraced that lifestyle due to the delay caused by the book's writing.
- Ulrike von der Groeben shares that she doesn't feel overwhelmed after leaving work and the final farewell party, instead choosing to focus on her new lifestyle, which includes traveling, volunteering, and taking up new hobbies.
