‘Most of the work you do as a comedian is unpaid’
THE Irish comedian Gearóid Farrelly is a regular at all the major Irish festivals.
He has often toured Ireland with the comedian
Neil Delamere. Farrelly is also host of the popular podcast Fascinated, where he chats to people of whom he is a big fan.
Farrelly will be on tour with his new show Alchemy as soon as it is safe to do so. For more information, visit gearoidfarrelly.com
What’s the most important lesson about money which your career has taught you?
The majority of the work you do as a comedian is unpaid. I work five days a week at my desk writing material and scripts — and doing podcasts. But I only get paid in any meaningful way if I go on stage. So you have to love what you do.
This crisis is probably the first time in a while where I have really been concerned about money and the future. The harsh reality of this crisis is it’s not that my job as a comedian is on hold — it’s that the whole industry has been completely wiped out for the forseeable future.
The most expensive country you ever visited?
America. It is just so easy to spend money on simple things. A few years ago, I was in Los Angeles for a month and I went for a drink at a fancy hotel in Santa Monica with someone I had interviewed on my podcast. She had a wine and I had a sparkling water. She went to pay and I immediately became very gentlemanly, insisted on paying and then handed over my card. Her glass of wine was €120.
What’s the best advice you ever got about money?
Don’t make money your God. My Granny Farrelly told me that when I was about seven-years-old. I think she was annoyed because I was saving for a She-Ra doll and had asked her how much she would be leaving me in her will.
Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
My car. I have had it five years and last year I had to get loads done with it.
What was your worst job?
I worked in a newsagents for a summer when I was in college. The job itself was fine but the people who ran the newsagents were some of the worst people I have ever met.
What was your best financial killing?
I was never someone that thought about buying my own place and an opportunity to buy a really nice place landed in my lap about ten years ago. I was still working in a day job and had been a really good saver so I could get a mortgage. I initially said no because I didn’t want to be tied down, but I then did the sums and went ahead.
Are you better off than your parents?
No as my job is very precarious. My parents were both civil servants who did a good job at educating us about money. My Dad always said: “There is always money coming in so don’t panic about it going out”. I always find that very comforting even though as a comic, it’s not strictly true.
If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?
I would roll around in a decent portion of it for a couple of hours. Then I would head off travelling for the forseeable future. After the travelling, I’d move somewhere sunny.
Your favourite song or tune about money?
“Good Mother” by Jann Arden. It’s about being really grateful for what you have and acknowledging it.
What was the last thing you bought online?
A kid’s digital camera for my nephew’s birthday and I also ordered cat food. I brought my cat to the vet because I thought she had lost weight. It turns out she’s obese. So she is on prescription food and it’s €25 a kilo.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I do save. In my heart I am a spender though — but I’m not extravagant.
I think being secure is important but you have to live and treat yourself.