Accept another job while waiting for adjudication

My TS/SCI timeline for a DoD contractor thus far is as follows:

  • CJO 4/24
  • SF-86 Submitted 5/24
  • Interview w/ investigator 12/24
  • Investigation finalized and sent to adjudication 3/25
  • According to FSO, status has been “In Process” since

Here’s my dilemma. I was laid off from my previous DoD contractor job that didn’t require clearance at the end of April due to funding drying up. I really want the new cleared job but have since received another job offer in a different industry. It’s a great offer but less convenient and comes with some other negatives. I obviously need to make money and, after reading some of the stories here, have no idea how long adjudication will take. Everyone, including the new non-DoD company suggested taking the job until clearance is finalized, but the contractor said they would be legally required to pull my clearance application if I take the other job, even temporarily. If I ever want to go for a cleared job I’ll have to start all over.

Are some companies just more strict about following this rule? I have read accounts (obviously anecdotal) by others in my position who were encouraged by the FSO to accept another temporary job until their clearance came through. Is this really a legal issue for the contractor?