To not disclose that I am on parental leave when interviewing

[Greenerpasture]

I am currently on parental leave and I am exploring my options before going back to work, mainly looking for something with better work life balance.
It might be debatable to do this during the parental leave I know and I would not go back to my original job and company should I secure a new job. The question is, would you volunteer that information to prospective companies? I don't necessarily think it is relevant.
If you were to volunteer the information, would you do it at the beginning or at the end of the process?

I did this during my matleave and I did not disclose it.

It's not relevant to your job application so no need to mention it. But the way you word your post it sounds as though you feel you are doing something wrong/have something to hide?
You are entitled to look into alternative jobs and employers whether or not you are on leave.

Absolutely no need to mention it and totally normal to explore a change of employment during mat leave. Go for it.

I can’t see why you even think you might be doing something unethical. Do you mean because you wouldn’t want to start work straight away?

I don't think I am doing something unethical, I suppose the apprehension comes from the fact that it is still quite uncommon for men to take extended parental leave (more than 6 months) and as such my wife thinks that I owe it to my current company for getting such a good treatment.

But that is what you are entitled to. They aren’t doing you a favour. It’s the same as if a woman takes maternity leave. You don’t owe them anything. Do what is best for you. In my opinion I would not disclose it as it isn’t relevant.

You don't owe your employer anything. You are taking leave that you are entitled to. There's no more obligation for a man than for women who take the same leave.

FWIW, as an employer, I would love to see an application from a man who had taken parental leave because it would mean they will encourage others to do the same and contribute to a more inclusive workplace for all.

I think that is the right decision. Nothing unethical about it.

Thanks everyone for your points of view

It's not relevant, you're not being dishonest as it has no bearing on your application.

Good luck.

No need to disclose it but be aware that you may have to pay back some of the parental leave allowance if you leave the company within a certain time frame (you might not need to)

I did not disclose when I did this

You're not obliged to return to your current employer just because you're on parental leave, but when the leave is generously paid it's usually to incentivise parents to return to the workplace, so it'd be worth making sure you won't lose out financially by moving on to a new employer instead.

No I wouldn't, I wouldn't even reveal I have children in an interview nevermind that I was currently taking leave to look after my children.