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
Sale tags symbolising limited-time travel discounts

British Airways January Sale Opens Early Access to 2026 Travel

Dec 18, 2025 02:41 AM
Bangkok temple complex under clear blue sky

LOT Opens Year-Round Bangkok Flights as Long-Haul Network Grows

Dec 18, 2025 02:27 AM

Ground Incident at JFK Disrupts Japan Airlines Schedule

Dec 18, 2025 01:34 AM

What the 1872 Cup Means for Getting Around Edinburgh

Dec 17, 2025 22:13 PM
Resort complex with poolside dining area

How a Colonial-Era House Is Being Reused for Modern Travel Experiences in Chiang Mai

Dec 17, 2025 17:29 PM
Complex rail junction

Christmas Rail Travel Faces Changes Around Milton Keynes

Dec 17, 2025 16:36 PM
Skiers overlooking the slopes in Courchevel

Rosewood Opens First Alpine Winter Resort in Courchevel 1850

Dec 17, 2025 15:56 PM
easyJet aircraft parked during peak winter travel period

Christmas Flights Surge as easyJet Expands Winter Network Across Europe

Dec 17, 2025 15:43 PM
airBaltic aircraft wing in flight during summer travel

airBaltic Adds Zurich and Chisinau to Vilnius Network for Summer 2026

Dec 17, 2025 15:39 PM

TUI Tests a New Way for Travelers to Book Flights

Dec 16, 2025 18:25 PM

Changing Weather Adds Uncertainty for Travellers in Southern Italy

Dec 16, 2025 17:42 PM
Rain and low visibility affecting travel conditions

Fog Overnight and Heavy Rain Wednesday Likely to Disrupt UK Travel

Dec 16, 2025 17:38 PM
Air India aircraft parked on the airport apron

Air India Sets Out Winter Travel Picks for the Holiday Period

Dec 16, 2025 16:55 PM
Lufthansa aircraft on the apron at the airport

Lufthansa Lounge Returns to Stuttgart Airport After Major Refurbishment

Dec 15, 2025 22:39 PM
Outdoor dining area at a coastal resort

Travellers to Get a New Resort Option in Marbella

Dec 15, 2025 22:23 PM

Heavy Rain Causes Flight Delays at Manchester Airport Before Christmas

Dec 15, 2025 21:44 PM

Rail Closure Set to Complicate Christmas Travel in Northern Italy

Dec 15, 2025 21:37 PM
Rail track maintenance work underway

West Cornwall Trips Face Disruption as St Erth–St Ives Line Closes

Dec 15, 2025 21:11 PM
Rain-soaked train platform during severe weather

Travel Plans Across the UK at Risk as Heavy Rain Continues

Dec 14, 2025 21:28 PM
flydubai aircraft taxiing on the runway

Travellers Gain a More Direct Way to Fly Between Dubai and Riga

Dec 14, 2025 20:35 PM
Crowd in Italy raising hands during public action with Italian flag

Travellers Face Possible Delays as Italy Holds 17 December Aviation Strike

Dec 13, 2025 10:41 AM
flydubai aircraft parked on the apron during ground operations

New Dubai–Vilnius Route Takes Off

Dec 13, 2025 10:27 AM

Maastricht Opens First Direct Link to Bosnia as Wizz Air Expands Eastward

Dec 13, 2025 09:34 AM

Nuremberg Airport Maps Out a Big Summer 2026 with Fresh Holiday Routes

Dec 13, 2025 08:43 AM
Wizz Air Airbus arriving for landing

Wizz Air Connects Tallinn and Budapest for the First Time

Dec 13, 2025 08:29 AM
Emirates A380 departing under cloudy skies

Winter Offer Adds Free Dubai Experiences for Emirates Passengers

Dec 13, 2025 07:36 AM