Yes it's quite normal to do so - in fact, unless you fancy the prospect of sitting round on your backside doing nothing for months waiting for your type rating date after AQC, then it's a good idea to get something lined up nearer the time. The vast majority, certainly in more recent times when airline demand has dictated a big wait between end of AQC and start of type rating, have taken on non-aviation jobs to keep the pocket money rolling in.