Whilst finishing my degree I was offered a graduate role with two different consulting firms. It was near the time of exams (no excuse) and too avoid making a rash decision I signed contracts with both companies!Now I have to make my mind up. One starts in September and the second in November. Would it be ethnical to start the job in September and if I didn’t like it just leave and Join the firm starting in November? If I did this would there be any adverse problems?It really isn’t in my nature to be deceitful or lie, but I really cant make up my mind and having a few months of on the job experience could help me make a decision.

The question to ask yourself is: if everyone involved knew what was going on, how would you expect them to feel?- If you started with the company in September and decided to stay with them, but they found out you had signed elsewhere and they were (in effect) 'on probation' would you feel embarrassed?- If you decided to leave that company and join the other company in November and they found out that you'd signed for two companies and worked for a competitor after signing their contract, how would they feel?I think the answer in both cases is probably that they'd be p*ssed off. I'm not saying you would necessarily get found out but (a) you might and (b) if you are interested in the 'ethical decision' then getting found out shouldn't matter.My advice would be to make your mind up and gracefully bow out of one of the contracts.

If you join the first in September and then leave to take up the second role your P45 will give you away in any case, unless you are prepared to take a hit on emergency rate tax by not providing the P45. You need to decide and commit to one or the other - you have time now to consider your choices and weigh them up; which firms are we talking about? (Given that you will be in the grad intake don't worry about giving away your id - you will be one among many).

Take the one you prefer. If it does not work out (and 2 months is not enough time to decide) you can always go back to the other one next year.

Thanks for all your advice, certainly good to see it from another perspective. I would rather not say which companies but check out thread 32137 and that should give you a massive clue.

You have answered your question by asking it in the first place. If you believe something is unethical or even have doubts about it, don't do it. Get stuck into your research, write a list of pro's and con's and make a decision.