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Ex-Finance Workers Find Success as Writers of 'Industry'

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. workers-find-success-as-writers-of-industry.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 17:42 GMT by The New Yorker
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 27th, 2026 - In an era defined by career pivots and the pursuit of purpose-driven work, the story of Niall Bacon and Conor Weir stands out as a particularly compelling example of professional reinvention. Once navigating the high-stakes world of London's financial district, the pair have found unexpected success as the creative forces behind HBO's critically acclaimed series, 'Industry.' Their journey, from disillusioned finance professionals to established television writers, offers a fascinating glimpse into the changing priorities of a generation and the enduring appeal of authentic storytelling.

Bacon, a former trader at Goldman Sachs, and Weir, an ex-banker at Barclays, both spent years immersed in the cutthroat environment of high finance. While financially rewarding, the experience took a significant toll. As Bacon recounted in a 2024 interview with The New Yorker, the work felt increasingly soul-crushing. "It was a really intense experience," he said, hinting at the pressures and ethical compromises inherent in the industry. This sentiment is echoed by a growing number of ex-finance professionals who, following the 2022-2024 economic instability, have openly spoken about the damaging effects of prioritizing profit over purpose.

Recognizing their mounting disillusionment, Bacon and Weir made a bold decision: they walked away from their lucrative careers. However, unlike many who opt for early retirement or a different, yet related, financial role, they didn't have a fully formed plan. Instead, they turned to creative writing as a means of processing their experiences. The initial intention wasn't necessarily to launch a television career, but rather to create a "cathartic exercise," a way to dissect and understand the world they had left behind.

"We just wanted to get it out of our system," Weir explained in a recent panel discussion at the Edinburgh Television Festival. "We started writing scenes, building characters, trying to capture the energy - and the toxicity - of the trading floor." This speculative script, born from firsthand experience, became the seed that would eventually blossom into 'Industry.'

The script landed on the desks of the show's creators, who immediately recognized its unique authenticity. 'Industry' distinguishes itself from other financial dramas by eschewing sensationalism in favor of a gritty realism. It's a world of relentless competition, moral ambiguity, and constant pressure, and Bacon and Weir's writing captures these nuances with remarkable accuracy. The show's success isn't just about depicting the what of finance - the trades, the deals, the bonuses - but the how and, crucially, the why. It delves into the psychological toll on the individuals caught within the system.

'Industry' has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated viewership. Season one earned the show a Peabody Award, and subsequent seasons have continued to draw praise for their sharp writing, compelling characters, and unflinching portrayal of modern finance. Analysts at Variety have noted the show's impact extends beyond entertainment, sparking conversations about workplace culture, gender dynamics, and the ethics of high finance.

The transformation of Bacon and Weir is more than just a career change; it's a powerful illustration of the growing desire for meaningful work. The pandemic and subsequent economic fluctuations forced many to re-evaluate their priorities, leading to a surge in people seeking careers aligned with their values. Bacon and Weir's story demonstrates that these values can be pursued even after years spent in a seemingly incompatible field.

"It's been a completely surreal experience," Weir admitted. "We went from feeling utterly lost to being part of something so creative and successful." Their journey serves as a reminder that even "failed" finance professionals - those who find the industry unsustainable or unfulfilling - can find fulfillment, and even fame, by embracing their creative passions and leveraging their unique experiences. The pair are currently developing another series, reportedly focusing on the burgeoning world of fintech, further cementing their position as key voices in television's portrayal of the financial landscape.