To think flexible working is mostly a myth unless you’re already senior or child-free?

[MeasuredPearlHeron]

Every company brags about “hybrid culture” but if you’re not senior, you’re often expected to prove your productivity twice over.

AIBU to think flexibility only really exists for people who already have leverage?

I reckon this depends on industry and how much its already seen as acceptable within that company.
My dh has been laughed at and forced out of some companies when he asked for flexible working so he could do one school drop off/ pick up even told "you have a wife for that" they questioned his work ethic for even asking.
He Joined a young London company and it's all as long as the job is done (within reason) have flexibility. It very much works both ways though and he is often doing different shifts to cover when they need him/on call in the am. He also does have many years experience etc so leverage.

If you're unlucky enough to find yourself needing a flexible job from day one or whilst you prove yourself if you're a carer/have a child with additional needs or illness/had to retrain then you're screwed.Entry level jobs are the least flexible and pay the least to even cover the care you would need to find (if it exists) to even be at the job in the first place.

Yes they stick to it, it’s highly unionised so the right to a work/life balance is taken very seriously. It was quite a revelation when I moved from the private sector, I wouldn’t work anywhere else now!
edit to add the answering emails at 8pm would be unheard of.

It exists and is available, but unfortunately it limits career opportunities and growth as there is always someone else willing to work the longer unsociable hours