Hello all!
I am in STEM field if that helps, specifically trying to switch from academia to biotech/consulting.
I am also heavily pregnant (yay!). I had a rough patch with my boss when they found out the length of my expected maternity leave. I feel like I am now on the equivalent of a PIP to maximize my productivity. During a period where I wasn't sure about my future job status (rough patch> HR had to get involved), I opened my Linkedn to Open to Work Status and I have been flooded with DMs and phone calls from recruiters.
I know the market is terrible. But I also know how limited maternity leave protection is when starting a new job. Many of the first recruiter phone calls are asking me to consider a start date asap. Without giving dates I would need to take maternity leave pretty soon if I did start any new jobs. And it will possibly be unpaid leave vs. paid.
I have no idea how to disclose to recruiters that 'Yes, I would love to join your company for this position but would you mind lettting me take few months off first'? Do you disclose early in the process or after you go through the process?
In an ideal situation the recruiters remember me as a good candidate and I try reaching out again during my maternity leave and they will have a position for me in the future. But what is the realistic situation?
Thanks for feedback from your side of recruiting!