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

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Wizz Air aircraft approaching for landing

Sofia’s Flight Map Expands as Wizz Air Prepares for a Bigger Summer 2026

Feb 1, 2026 05:41 AM
Lufthansa Airbus A380 parked at airport gate

Lufthansa’s A380 Is Getting a Cabin Update, Starting With Business Class

Feb 1, 2026 04:36 AM

Berlin–Lapland Flights Return for the Winter Season

Feb 1, 2026 04:07 AM

Cyprus Becomes Easier to Reach from Varna Next Summer

Feb 1, 2026 03:23 AM
Restaurant dish reflecting Britain’s evolving food scene

Food Is Becoming Part of Travel Planning Across Britain in 2026

Jan 31, 2026 18:56 PM
EU flag flying as visa rules move toward digital changes

EU Entry Rules May Look Different for Travellers in the Years Ahead

Jan 31, 2026 17:39 PM
Aerial view of Tromsø city and bridge at night

Tromsø Steps Into the Spotlight Ahead of 2026 Youth Capital Year

Jan 30, 2026 19:52 PM
Traveller pulling cabin suitcase in airport terminal

What You Can Really Take Through Edinburgh Airport Security

Jan 30, 2026 18:14 PM
Flooded street in Devon town after heavy rain

Flooded Routes Complicate Travel Plans Across Southwest England

Jan 30, 2026 17:47 PM

South Korean Travellers Now Need UK ETA Permit

Jan 30, 2026 16:35 PM

Air Serbia Adds Hand-Luggage-Only Fare on Montenegro Routes

Jan 30, 2026 15:01 PM
Freight Island rooftop food and entertainment space in Leeds

New Food and Live Music Venue Set to Open in Leeds in 2026

Jan 30, 2026 02:48 AM
Berlin city centre with Spree River and TV Tower

Newcastle–Berlin Route Returns, Making Short Summer Trips Easier

Jan 30, 2026 01:24 AM
Dubai landmark near the Gold Souk district

Dubai Moves to Build a Gold Street Near Its Famous Markets

Jan 30, 2026 00:32 AM
Montreal skyline at dusk along the Saint Lawrence River

More Direct Options Open Between Berlin and Montreal This Summer

Jan 29, 2026 23:59 PM

From Familiar Routes to New Experiences: UK Travel Trends for 2026

Jan 29, 2026 23:05 PM

KLM Adjusts Middle East Flights as Security Risks Persist

Jan 29, 2026 09:13 AM
Person wearing wireless earbud and listening

Frankfurt Tests a Quieter Way to Hear Gate Calls

Jan 29, 2026 09:09 AM
Portable power bank used for charging devices

Lithium Batteries on Board: The Rules Catching Flyers Out

Jan 29, 2026 08:56 AM
Eurowings aircraft on apron at London Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Adds New Germany Links for Summer 2026

Jan 29, 2026 08:41 AM
Traditional Chinese palace complex with visitors

China Opens Its Doors Wider to European Visitors

Jan 29, 2026 08:37 AM
Flooded area beside fields and trees

Flooding Limits Access to Popular Destinations in Southwest England

Jan 28, 2026 07:54 AM

easyJet Ups Discounts as Big Orange Sale Nears Finish

Jan 28, 2026 07:08 AM

Helsinki Airport Adds Play Area to Ease Winter Baggage Waits

Jan 28, 2026 06:52 AM
Crowds around the Leaning Tower of Pisa under a bright sky

Iași Gets Two Italian Routes as Wizz Air Widens Summer Reach

Jan 28, 2026 06:45 AM
American Airlines aircraft in flight during winter travel operations

Storm Fern Leaves American Airlines Scrambling to Restore Flight Operations

Jan 28, 2026 06:39 AM