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
Chania's Venetian harbour and waterfront lighthouse

Ryanair Adds New Direct Route to Crete From Bratislava

Oct 13, 2026 14:02 PM
Sandy beach surrounded by cliffs and turquoise water

Aeroitalia Brings Back Genoa–Sardinia Flights for Christmas

Oct 13, 2026 02:17 AM

Eurostar Cuts London–Paris Trains on Four More Weekends

Oct 12, 2026 01:24 AM

Jet2 Opens Summer 2028 Holidays With £60 Deposits

Oct 11, 2026 23:51 PM
Ryanair passenger aircraft on an airport runway

Ryanair to Scrap All Bremen Flights in 2027

Oct 11, 2026 23:49 PM
Elegant train dining car with blue upholstered chairs

From Rome to Alba: New Luxury Train Trips Across Italy in 2027

Oct 11, 2026 03:06 AM
Ryanair aircraft taxiing beside a coastal runway

Ryanair Adds 29 New Routes for Summer 2027

Oct 11, 2026 02:53 AM
Sightseeing boat passing a bridge in Paris

TUI Cruise Passengers Denied Refunds After Coach Trips

Oct 11, 2026 02:48 AM
EasyJet aircraft on airport tarmac

EasyJet Cuts More Winter Flights as Fuel Costs Soar

Oct 11, 2026 02:35 AM

New London Train Routes Blocked Over Delay Fears

Oct 11, 2026 02:22 AM

Six Senses Plans Five New Hotels for 2027

Oct 10, 2026 23:57 PM
Ornate bedroom aboard the luxury train

Orient Express Adds Monaco Stop to 2027 Luxury Route

Oct 9, 2026 21:54 PM
KLM aircraft on the runway

KLM to Bring Free Starlink Wi-Fi to Long-Haul Flights

Oct 9, 2026 21:41 PM
Ryanair aircraft at an airport

Kraków Gets Four More Ryanair Winter Routes

Oct 9, 2026 21:39 PM
Deutsche Bahn ICE train at a station

Deutsche Bahn Keeps €99.99 Family Ticket for Good

Oct 9, 2026 21:26 PM

London Gets Easier Night Train Links Across Europe

Oct 9, 2026 21:13 PM

Eclipse Breaks Shuts Down: What Happens to Your Booking?

Oct 9, 2026 21:08 PM
British Airways aircraft taking off

British Airways A380 Upgrade: What Changes for Your Flight

Oct 8, 2026 21:35 PM
SunExpress aircraft in flight

SunExpress Reveals 2027 Turkey Schedule

Oct 8, 2026 21:22 PM
Rail worker among station scaffolding

Huddersfield Station Faces 44 Days of Closures

Oct 7, 2026 20:27 PM
Ruby Lilou bar in Marseille

Ruby Lilou Opens Near Vieux-Port in Marseille

Oct 7, 2026 20:14 PM
Glowing Halloween pumpkins beside lantern

Halloween Half-Term Flights from Manchester Start at £34 Return

Oct 7, 2026 20:01 PM

Jet2 Opens 2027 Bristol Christmas Market Bookings

Oct 7, 2026 19:59 PM

EU Cabin Bag Rules Change in 2027 - but Not Every Bag Is Free

Oct 7, 2026 19:46 PM
Construction worker carrying out rail upgrade work

Liverpool Rail Works to Disrupt City Travel for 26 Days

Oct 7, 2026 19:33 PM
Strike message painted on a wall

Leeds Bradford Strike Puts October Flights at Risk

Oct 6, 2026 21:28 PM