Struck with a faint terror! I start work tomorrow and, despite repeated efforts, I don’t know which practice group I’m starting in.

My preference is for mergers and acquisitions. But, with the credit crunch and the end of the private equity boom, maybe they just wont need anybody.

Adding to my fear, is my recently acquired knowledge that things are not always as I perceive them, nor do my plans always turn out as expected.

Mid last year, I was in London visiting a friend of mine who is working there as an options trader.

Trading is no child’s game. All the trading happens in real time, which means that the slightest slip of the finger can lose you thousands. Luckily, my friend is very good at what he does.

Being a successful trader in London opens up an amazing world of opportunity. British traders earn a lot of money, in pounds, and because the market is only open from 10 ’till 4, they also have time to enjoy it.

London is the most happening metropolis in the world, rivalled perhaps only by New York. Magnificent buildings, fine food, the latest fashions, fast cars, beautiful women. Anything can happen in London. At least, that is, if you are a young wealthy options trader, or a young wealthy option trader’s friend.

But I digress…

I completed my law degree with an exchange semester in Hamburg and needed to catch a flight from London. Not being a wealthy options trader, I booked the cheapest, dirtiest Ryan Air flight from London (Stansted) to Hamburg (Luebeck).

Excited to be on my way, I contacted my flat mate to tell him that I would shortly be flying into Hamburg. He informed me that a taxi from the airport would only set me back around 20 euros. What a bargain, that’s only about 15 pounds.

Jumping in a taxi outside Hamburg (Luebeck) airport I told the man my address. "In Hamburg?" asked the driver. I was confused that he needed to clarify this point, "yes, of course, Hamburg". Hamburg is the second wealthiest city in the EU, after London, and as the taxi pulled away from the small rural semi neglected airport, I failed to connect the dots.

As the fair meter ticked by, I stared blissfully out of the window as we sped along a deserted German autobahn.

As the meter hit 40 euros and the autobahn streched out into the night, I was struck by a sinking feeling which slowly began to grow. I leaned forwards hopefully, "are we nearly there?" The driver looked pleased, and answered "yes, we are almost half way."

I felt violated, not to mention a little stupid. I had wanted to fly from London to Hamburg and had unwittingly flown from Stansted to Luebeck.

I hope I didn’t forget to pay attention to the size eight words in brackets next to my job description, M & A lawyer (general office lap dog and coffee boy).