Following a clear path will help turn your dream job into a reality.

But knowing which direction to take can bring you out in a cold sweat. If this sounds like you, don't worry. There are others that have been there too.

We've asked a panel of six career stars to tell us what goes on in their working world. They're ordinary people who've managed to find something about their jobs that is extraordinary:

Nick, the neuroscientist; Sarah, the critical care nurse; Imran, the lawyer; James, the financial analyst; Chi, the store assistant; and Annabelle, the fashion designer.

They'll give you the low-down on what it took for them to be who they wanted to be.