Working as a supporting artiste is not as glamorous as it sounds. At the mercy of the weather, you might not make the final cut – or much money

For 10 years I’ve donned the red costume, beard and wig for my festive alter ego, Santa Claus. It’s hard work and not great pay, but a happy child’s smile is priceless

The poverty we encounter these days is the worst we’ve seen– it’s a race to persuade everyone to pull together to keep our families afloat

I set out determined to change the world of public libraries. Nearly 40 years on, I’ve only made the smallest dent. But I’ve met some amazing borrowers along the way

I feel a twinge of guilt owning numerous homes, but it’s been my life’s work. My love of period properties offsets the never-ending daily drudgeries

It wasn’t anyone’s ideal job, but during my time at a viral website, I repurposed other people’s content then harvested your data to sell on

It’s not all doom and gloom. The best part of the job is when cancer treatment works and patients return to good health. Occasionally there are miracles

I enjoy my job, although dealing with HMRC can be frustrating and I get annoyed by clients who’d rather listen to their golf club pals than pay for proper advice

The quality of singing is variable, but I enjoy helping clients improve themselves. Every lesson is different – and there are some really fantastic moments

Having to move position so regularly means there is little stability, but there is something special about uncovering nuggets of universal truth about the cosmos

The best thing about my job is the patients. I could do without the doctor-bashing in the press, though

I get up every morning at 4.30am to check the deliveries have arrived, the bakery is up and running and the fruit and vegetables are fresh

Getting a child with mental health problems to open up is a big ask. If only there was more compassion for struggling families

If you’re lucky, new ventures can be fun, and do great things. But most are rudderless, stuffed with clueless children – and founded by capricious narcissists

The Palace of Westminster might be falling to bits, but it’s still an incredible place to work – full of living, breathing history

During an operation, your life is in our hands. But despite the highly sensitive role we play, we are all but invisible to our patients

I love the solitude and hearing the bands I drive play live. But trouble in Calais and beyond means it isn’t all fun and games

My job title sounds wishy-washy even to me – but it’s important to persuade companies to behave ethically. Which they will, if it makes them money

As a professional soldier, I can balance my personal outlook with doing what duty demands. But as cuts hit, it’s getting harder by the day

Many of them are so overwhelmed with belongings that they’re on the verge of a breakdown. I advise them to simplify and let go. It’s transformative