I agree with Bel's Gels, it's not recommended, however....
It's a lot more convenient for me to do the pedi FIRST. I like having the water hot for when the client walks through the door and they can get straight to soaking. Otherwise I would need to stop after the gel, leave the room, boil the kettle, prep the bowl and so on.
Cuticle work is so much easier after soaking, so I find I actually work faster and get a much cleaner finish.
I never had issues with longevity working this way, but this may be because my system requires 150 grit etching and dehydrator. So those nail are seriously dry once I've prepped. I also keep oils and masks away from the nails until after the gel is complete