u/Friendly-Oven4230

I'm a fresh grad and have received a contract offer from a private company starting 1st June. At the same time, I went for the final interview for a government graduate programme that I'm more keen on, but they've told me they will only update me by the 1st/2nd week of June.

I'm contemplating signing the private sector offer first since I can't afford to wait indefinitely, then resigning and serving 1 month notice if the government programme comes through.

Alternatively I could try negotiating with the agency to push back the start date by a couple of weeks so the timings align better.

A few things I'm unsure about:

• Is it common/acceptable to resign that early into a contract?
• Would pushing back the start date be a reasonable ask? And if I can cancel the contract before the start date
• Anyone been in a similar situation before?

For context the private role is a 1 year contract through a staffing agency, and the government role is a 2 year programme

I have applied for a graduate programme with the government, have went to the final stage of interview just last week and waiting for their response. Contacted my peers that have applied for this programme and they are awaiting for response as well. This programme is very much what I want to do, it will be very beneficial for my portfolio.

In the meantime, I have went for other interviews and have gotten a few offers. The roles and JDs are aligned with my interest, similar to the gov role just in private sector. The HR very quickly came up with the contract and wants me to revert it back to them. I have not proceeded with them and have been giving excuses to drag time.

Not sure if i should wait for this government programme or take up any of the offers. I want to join the government programme very much, but not sure if its a smart deicision to wait while not knowing my chances.

If anyone could provide me some advice. Thank you in advance.