6. Occupational therapist
Consider OT if you have an outgoing, caring attitude and long to make a difference to the lives of people with physical or psychological problems. You will need to put them at their ease and listen carefully to what they have to say. They might need help with everyday tasks such as cooking, or with getting back to work after an accident. The treatment plan may include advice about special equipment, teaching personal coping strategies or using activities to counteract depression.

To enter, you'll need at least two A-levels, including one science subject. The professional qualification is a degree or diploma in occupational therapy. Vacancies are advertised on the Net, in newspapers and in professional journals. In the meantime, talk to people who are already doing the job to find out how they got started.

7. Child care
This is the perfect role if you're bubbling with enthusiasm, love children, and have endless patience. Be aware that it's not enough to adore the little cherubs – you also need a firm approach and brilliant communication skills. There's a growing demand for qualified child-care staff because the government wants every three-year-old to be offered a free nursery place.

If you want to become a social worker or a teacher, you will need a degree and a further qualification. Nursery nurses have traditionally done a full-time course, but it's now possible to gain an N/SVQ by training on the job. Don't plunge into this career unless you are sure it's what you want to do. The only way to find out what child care is really like is by doing voluntary work in a playgroup, nursery or after-school club.

8. Entertainer
Want to be a cabaret singer, a dancer, a musician, an acrobat, a juggler or a comedian? If you've got the talent, the personality, the stamina and the urge to perform, there's no stopping you! If it's in your blood you'll love the way of life: flexible hours, travelling, working indoors or outside, engaging with different kinds of audiences. Much of this is low paid – well, that's showbiz. Let's face it, many entertainers compromise by working part-time and keeping a day job to pay bills.

There are a number of formal courses in performing, but do remember that qualifications are no substitute for talent and networking skills. Most entertainers find work through agents – in variety shows, nightclubs, circuses, outdoor events and at private parties. Some people work seasonally in holiday centres or on cruise ships.

9. Pub manager
In the last few years there's been a rapid expansion in demand for pub managers with the right skills and personal qualities. If you think this could be your ideal career, you can target anything from smart cafés to Irish-themed pubs.

There's a certain lifestyle that goes with the job - long hours and hard physical work at times. It's hectic but enjoyable. Although much of your time is spent serving customers, there's also managerial stuff like training, stock control and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Look for recruitment initiatives within the industry. You might start off pulling pints, but if you show potential you can soon move up to shift leader or assistant manager. Why not pop down to your favourite watering hole and ask about opportunities? Mixing business with pleasure – you may as well start as you mean to go on.

10. Actor
The acting buzz is so rewarding that it's not hard to understand why many people pursue this dream. True, we can't all be a Zeta Jones or a Zellweger, but some lucky ones do earn a decent living. As ever, the story behind the glitz is one of careful planning and sheer determination.

Although some people succeed without formal training, your best chance is to do a course at a recognised drama school. Given the intense competition, it's important to use every means possible to find work, including searching the ads, networking and getting an agent.

It's never too early to start building up some acting experience. Join the local theatre group. Do a panto. Organise some play readings. In time, you'll have quite a portfolio of photos, reviews and programmes to take to interviews and auditions – evidence of your total commitment to an acting career.