Some career pivots make sense on paper. Neeloy Banerjee’s doesn’t and that’s exactly why it’s worth reading.
A Stanford graduate who went straight into trading, Neeloy spent years living at a pace most people burn out on by thirty. Somewhere along the way, between the desk and the deadlines, he started sneaking into improv classes at Chicago’s legendary Second City. Today, he’s a stand-up comedian performing under @neeloytellsjokes and refreshingly honest about what that trade actually cost him, and what it gave back.
In an exclusive interview with allocnetwork, Neeloy talked us through the pace of trading life, the moment he decided to let it go, and why he’s still, by his own admission, “a little too content” to be a great comedian.
Q1. So you went from Stanford straight into the world of trading — that’s such an intense pace to live at. Honestly, in those years, did you ever get a real moment just for yourself? What was your routine like then?
Neeloy: At Stanford and while I was in trading, I was doing a lot of comedy on the side. I was taking every class I could find at Second City and running an improv group in Chicago. The pace at work was intense, but when you’re in your twenties you have the energy for that. Now in my thirties I do one five-minute open mic and then need bed rest for a day or two.
I remember I got so busy that I started literally dreaming of sitting alone in a room getting me time. So there’s always time for yourself, even if it’s in REM sleep.
Q2. What made you finally say, okay, I’m letting this go? And once you did, what pulled you toward comedy what has that actually felt like for you now in terms of life?
Neeloy: This is going to sound ridiculous, but this is at least part of the answer: AI is already better than me at all the things I used to value about myself math, programming, pleasing my parents. I saw it coming a couple of years ago and figured I should maybe try to focus on stuff that fulfilled me more than narrowing the spread.
In terms of how life has changed: my evenings are a lot busier. Or they would be if I were a more successful comedian. My bank account used to go up every month, but now it goes down. One thing that’s stayed the same is I’m still embarrassed to tell people what I do.
Q3. Is there a quote that’s stayed with you? And what are you reading right now?
Neeloy: “This is a huge mistake” — my entire family. I’m kidding, they’ve been remarkably (too?) supportive about this whole endeavor.
I’m currently reading Find Your Comic Genius — spoiler: still looking for him. I’m also reading the Blake Crouch sci-fi books. Super fun, quick reads about all the major sci-fi topics: time travel, escaped viruses, alternate realities, etc.
Q4. When you’re not working, what do you actually love doing?
Neeloy: Reading about the sci-fi world we live in AI, biology, etc. Chasing frisbees in the park. Making crème brûlées but then letting friends melt the sugary top.
Q5. Looking at where you started and where you are now — has your life really changed? And if you had to be honest with yourself… are you happy?
Neeloy: Life has really changed, and I was happy before and I’m happy now. I sometimes think I’m a little too content to be a good comedian, but maybe I can get unhappy about that and find material there.
