Chat with Ulrike von der Groeben: Post-Retirement Reflections
In his retirement, the former TV star yearns for these cherished elements the most. - What the Retired TV Personality Yearns For Most
Ulrike von der Groeben, 68, a renowned sports expert, spent 35 years on the RTL news show "RTL aktuell". In an interview, she opens up about her life after retirement, her book "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!", and her relationships with her former colleagues.
Question: Have your personal insights from writing and researching "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" changed your perception of retirement?
Ulrike: Undeniably. I had not given much thought to retirement beforehand. Although it was bold, it was also somewhat naive. I remain hopeful that I'll be as content as I envision. I believe it's essential for others to address certain aspects such as finances earlier, as some matters can still be sorted out near retirement, but the earlier you start, the better. This applies to fitness and health, too — it's never too late, but starting earlier offers an advantage, Professor Froboese says in the book.
Question: Was financial planning significant in your past?
Ulrike: I tend to be security-conscious and relatively conservative regarding money. My husband, however, would have been more adventurous. He wished to purchase a smaller property with favorable interest rates. I, on the other hand, was always cautious, saying, "We still need to pay off our home before we consider something new." Looking back, I must admit, I didn't listen to my husband enough, and I wasn't ready to assume debt for such a purchase. I was the brake, even though I should have known better.
Question: Do you regret that decision now?
Ulrike: I've become a stoic person. I don't dwell on the things that cannot be changed. What I can still influence, I approach with energy and joy, abandoning the past. I regret it, but not enough to trouble me today.
Question: In your book, you suggest viewing oneself as a "practitioner" at the beginning of retirement. Are you already at that stage or have you just started?
Ulrike: I haven't begun my practice yet. Writing the book postponed my retirement by half a year. The writing process was a significant undertaking — and I was honestly apprehensive. I had imagined doing nothing and deciding my day's agenda. But everyone encouraged me to write the book. Now, the promotional tours are coming up. I think I'll embark on my retirement in the summer, looking forward to finally taking a well-deserved vacation and unwinding.
Question: After leaving work and attending the farewell party, have you experienced a sort of void or emptiness?
Ulrike: Not a real void yet. Perhaps that will happen later — but so far, I've been too busy with the book. What I am coping with, though, is the silence. I miss the daily hustle and bustle, the conferences, the time pressure, and most of all, my colleagues. I catch up with them occasionally, such as the RTL girls' group. I also see my younger sports colleagues socially sometimes, and we share a regular table. However, I miss the daily encounters with people, and I'm still adapting to it.
Question: Do you still maintain regular correspondence or discussions with Peter Kloeppel?
Ulrike: Yes, we have met several times since our farewell, even with friends and family. We also spoke during his time in the USA, for the interview included in the book. Peter recently returned to Germany as well, and we met at the Grimme Prize award ceremony.
The Commission may find it beneficial to consider the impact of personal lifestyle choices and home-and-garden practices on the environment, given Ulrike's insights on the importance of early financial planning and considering matters such as finances, fitness, and health proactively.
Upon retirement, Ulrike has begun viewing her life as a work in progress, much like a home-and-garden project that requires continuous attention and care to maintain its appeal and functionality, echoing the practitioner mindset she suggests in her book.
