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
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 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
Yellow shark warning sign on a sandy beach with loungers behind

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
Modern high-rise skyline of Doha along the waterfront in Qata

Family Travel’s Safest Cities for 2026

Feb 19, 2026 08:07 AM
Ryanair aircraft boarding passengers via mobile stairs at a regional airport

Kerry’s Summer 2026 Routes Go on Sale

Feb 19, 2026 07:54 AM

Snow Disrupts Bucharest Flights as 58 Vehicles Clear Runways

Feb 19, 2026 07:41 AM

Shannon Adds Early Paris Link for Summer 2026

Feb 19, 2026 07:38 AM
Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh at sunset

Riyadh Air Unveils Hafawa Lounge at RUH

Feb 18, 2026 17:35 PM
Guadalajara Cathedral and historic centre skyline under blue sky

Air Canada Adds Guadalajara and Boosts Mexico Flights

Feb 18, 2026 17:22 PM
View of Quebec City skyline with Château Frontenac and St Lawrence River

Nantes Gets Direct Québec Link for Summer 2026

Feb 18, 2026 17:19 PM
Traveller standing on canyon cliff overlooking winding river in the US Southwest

US Faces Tourism Hit Over Proposed ESTA Changes

Feb 18, 2026 17:06 PM

Sweden Offers Year On a Private Island

Feb 18, 2026 16:53 PM

Europe’s New Border Rules: Dates UK Travellers Must Know

Feb 18, 2026 16:47 PM
Air India aircraft taking off runway

Air India opens 16,000 sq ft flagship lounge in Delhi

Feb 18, 2026 16:34 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft in flight

Emirates Rolls Out Ramadan Services Across Network

Feb 18, 2026 16:21 PM
Italian flag raised during street protest

Italy Airport Strikes Shift to 26 February

Feb 17, 2026 18:37 PM
Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 parked at Frankfurt Airport gate

Lufthansa Opens Most Allegris Seats on 787

Feb 17, 2026 18:24 PM
Corner tower of the Forbidden City reflected in water at sunset

Edinburgh–Beijing Direct Flights Cut Out the Stopover

Feb 17, 2026 18:03 PM

Cold Snap Brings Travel Risks Across Parts of the UK

Feb 17, 2026 04:39 AM

Palermo Gains Skopje Link as Wizz Air Expands Base

Feb 17, 2026 04:06 AM
Manchester Piccadilly platforms under glass roof during engineering works

Nine Days Offline: What Manchester Piccadilly’s Overhaul Means for Your Journey

Feb 16, 2026 18:12 PM
AirAsia X Airbus aircraft in red livery climbing after take-off against a cloudy sky

AirAsia X Returns to London with Bahrain Stop

Feb 16, 2026 02:17 AM