Need advice on job switching in early career (tier2 6 months then tier1 long term)

Throwaway for obvious reasons

TL;DR: Is it acceptable for me (new grad) to work for 6 months at a tier 2 firm before my tier 1 offer starts in June 2023? Note: I am based in Europe

Long version:

I was lucky enough to get an offer for QR (new grad) from a tier 1 company starting in June 2023. However, I also have a much worse offer (quant analyst, half the comp, much worse company) starting in December 2022.

I was wondering whether it would be a bad idea to start working at the second company, stay there for 6 months only, and then join the first company in June 2023 (there isn't any relevant non-compete at the second company).

This would be because I would avoid staying unemployed for 6 months, have a chance to learn and develop my skills, and because I already have to pay for rent in the city where company 2 is located for 10 more months. The main reason against it is that quant is a small world and so even if I were not to put the thing on my CV, it could still emerge and damage my reputation.

Alternatively, I could try to find spring coding internships (I know my leetcodes), although I am not sure how easy would that be with the hiring freeze and everything. Note: I am EU based.

Thoughts?

Thanks