Man Quits Plumbing Job to Earn £3k a Month Traveling the World

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 22, 2024 19:30 PMNews
Share:
Sparkling cruise ship on the sunset
Sparkling cruise ship on the sunset. Source: Photo by Peter Hansen on Unsplash

Jack Nolan, a 33-year-old from Exeter, Devon, transformed his life by swapping plumbing for music on a cruise ship, leading to adventures and earnings he never dreamed of.

Dissatisfied with his "dull" job as a plumber, Jack decided to change his career path in 2016. Now a singer and guitarist on a cruise ship, he enjoys an income of £3,315 a month, free accommodation, and meals included.

Jack's job allows him to perform most evenings, leaving his days free to explore various global destinations. He has visited iconic sites like Greece's Acropolis, Rome's Colosseum, the Great Barrier Reef, and Iceland's Blue Lagoon. Jack appreciates the opportunity to travel extensively, stating, "Not many jobs will let you see so many countries and experience so much culture."

The decision to change careers came after a friend's call for a guitarist for a band. This led to their first gig on a ferry and eventually to cruise ship contracts. Jack expressed, "I was so excited. The ships went to places like the Caribbean, and I had never been."

In addition to performing, Jack conducts art auctions on board, earning an extra £20 per hour. His travels have taken him from the ancient ruins of Greece to the bustling streets of Vancouver and the beaches of Jamaica.

Life on the ship can be intense, with colleagues living in close quarters and relationships being common but potentially tense. Jack likens it to living in university halls, where people need to "let off steam and decompress."

Jack has also witnessed dramatic events at sea, including ships rescuing stranded vessels. He recounted an instance where a rumor spread about rescued individuals being pirates, highlighting the unique and sometimes chaotic nature of life at sea.

Despite the allure of his current lifestyle, Jack misses his family and friends and plans to return to land eventually. He advises those interested in a similar path to choose roles that allow for extensive travel, such as positions in entertainment or retail on the ship, to fully experience the destinations.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Big Ben and UK Parliament in London

New Visitor Fee Proposal in England Raises Concerns for Future Trips

Feb 25, 2026 05:54 AM
Barlochan Cottage exterior in Muskoka surrounded by forest

Hidden Muskoka Retreat to Become Bookable for the First Time

Feb 25, 2026 05:11 AM

AJet Lands in Rotterdam with New Istanbul Link

Feb 25, 2026 03:38 AM

Ryanair Lines Up Record Summer 2026 from Katowice

Feb 25, 2026 03:25 AM
Aerial view of Nice harbour with yachts and hillside buildings on the French Riviera

Cork Gets New Summer Links to Nice and Santiago

Feb 25, 2026 03:12 AM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Etihad Marks Ramadan with Meals, Medina Flights

Feb 25, 2026 03:09 AM
Ryanair aircraft in flight against clear sky

Ryanair Adds Bari and Boosts Bristol Routes for 2026

Feb 24, 2026 18:06 PM
Waterfront docks with historic and modern buildings reflected in calm water

Royal Docks Plan Bold Floating Park and Lido

Feb 24, 2026 17:53 PM
Airport drop-off zone with express lane and cars

Airport drop-off zone with express lane and cars

Feb 24, 2026 17:47 PM

Dual Nationals Face New UK Entry Rule

Feb 24, 2026 03:54 AM

Red Sea Resort Tops Forbes New Hotel List

Feb 24, 2026 03:41 AM
Transavia Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against blue sky

Transavia Lets Customers Resell Unused Tickets

Feb 24, 2026 03:28 AM
Eiffel Tower at sunset with boats on the Seine in Paris

France Draws 102 Million Visitors as Pressure Grows on Hotspots

Feb 24, 2026 03:15 AM
Motorcycle burning in city street during unrest with smoke and pedestrians nearby

Mexico Resort Flights Suspended After Cartel Violence

Feb 23, 2026 22:12 PM
Traveller lying on airport floor beside suitcase during disruption

Brussels Airport Faces Full Departure Halt on 12 March

Feb 23, 2026 22:09 PM

New Flight to Salerno Expands Travel Options from Genoa

Feb 21, 2026 08:16 AM

New Sanctions Against eDreams Put Online Travel Pricing Under the Spotlight

Feb 21, 2026 06:33 AM
Cliffside town in Calabria overlooking beach and Tyrrhenian Sea

Ryanair Sets Out Record Calabria Summer With 42 Routes

Feb 20, 2026 16:47 PM
Historic square in Turin with baroque churches and people walking in sunlight

Cardiff Gains Direct Turin Flights for Winter 2026 Ski Season

Feb 20, 2026 16:34 PM
Dubai Marina skyline with high-rise towers and waterfront canal

Gatwick Lines Up the Biggest Summer Network Since 2019

Feb 19, 2026 22:01 PM
Commercial aircraft on icy runway during winter operations

Bucharest Airports Keep Flights Moving in Winter Conditions

Feb 19, 2026 21:58 PM
Small white dog running happily across a grassy field

Small Dogs Now Welcome in Cabin on All PAL Domestic Flights

Feb 19, 2026 21:05 PM

How Not to Be "That Person" At the Airport

Feb 19, 2026 20:52 PM

Shark Bite Numbers Rise in 2025, Remain Below Decade Average

Feb 19, 2026 20:39 PM
Close-up of a mosquito biting human skin

Mosquito-Borne Virus Prompts Fresh Travel Warnings

Feb 19, 2026 20:26 PM
Aerial view of Zagreb Old Town with St Mark’s Church and red-tiled rooftops

Ryanair Scales Up Croatia for Summer 2026

Feb 19, 2026 19:33 PM