A 20-year-old Won A $9.2 Million Lottery Jackpot But Won't Stop Working Because He Needs 'a Purpose In Life'

James Clarkson won just over £7.5 million ($9.2 million).

Anthony Devlin/National Lottery

• James Clarkson won a $9 million lottery jackpot but plans to keep working.
• The 20-year-old from Carlisle, England, He aims to qualify as a heating engineer and will then go from there.
• Clarkson said he plans to travel and has bought a few designer items for himself and his girlfriend.

A 20-year-old trainee gas engineer from the north of England says he plans to keep working after winning a £7.5 million ($9.2 million) lottery jackpot.

James Clarkson, from Carlisle in Cumbria, near the Scottish border, found out at the start of January that he'd scooped £7,533,329 in the UK's National Lottery Christmas Day draw.

Clarkson said he was staying at his girlfriend's house when he woke up early to check the snowfall. It was then he saw a message from the National Lottery app saying that he won the jackpot.

Clarkson saw that his numbers — 16, 19, 22, 24, 27, and 35 — which were chosen at random, were selected.

When he turned to his girlfriend to show her his winning ticket, she took a "sleepy glance" and said "no, you haven't won" before going back to sleep, the 20-year-old said in a press release.

Clarkson then called his dad who told him to come home to be certain about his win.

At 9 a.m., he called the lottery line with his parents and older brother. Clarkson explained who he was as well as his ticket details, before being told he had indeed won.

"News spread fast and we all ended up celebrating later at my Grandma's and Grandad's with a roast beef dinner and Champagne," he said.

Anthony Devlin/National Lottery

But by Monday, Clarkson had already returned to work with his dad.

"I was out in the cold fixing blocked drains the day after I found out I had won," he said, adding that it was slightly "grim" although that's "reality."

"I'm not going to stop working, I'm too young," Clarkson said. "I want to qualify as a heating engineer and then go from there."

"I need to have a purpose in life, plus Dad wouldn't let me not work anyway," he said, outlining that his father pointed out that many millionaires continue to work, and it's important to have a reason to get up in the morning.

Clarkson added: "I know people might think I'm mad to still work but I want to and, of course, there'll be some nice holidays in between."

The Manchester City fan has already booked a luxury vacation to Cape Verde, bought some designer jackets — and a Gucci handbag for his girlfriend.

Clarkson has also promised to pay off his parents' mortgage. "This win isn't just for me — I want to make sure we all benefit," he said.

In February 2024 accountant Richard Nuttall and his Debbie won $78 million in the EuroMillions lottery, but said he would keep working until he finished his clients' tax returns. His wife resigned from her job as a civil engineer, however.

Have you kept working after winning big? Get in touch with this reporter at nredmond@businessinsider.com