While I can understand your sentiment, I don't think you handled that negotiation very well. Playing chicken by drawing hard lines in the sand is not negotiati

While I can understand your sentiment, I don't think you handled that negotiation very well. Playing chicken by drawing hard lines in the sand is not negotiating - they were actually willing to budge, you were not. Again, it's entirely your prerogative, just understand that this is not going to lead to optimal outcomes. Finally, you mentioned something like '4 day work week' - in most situations today, it's completely off the table. If it's common in your company and you fit the policy, then sure, you can ask. But if '4 day work week' is not policy at your company, then what you are really asking if for the company to change it's policy and open it up to everyone. I'm sure you concede that you're not the only one possibly deserving such a flexible opportunity. So your demand extends much broader than just yourself, and the consequences of giving this flex to one person, would mean an immediate negotiation with large numbers of other employees, which can be disruptive. Of course, maybe they should have the policy, but it's definitely reasonable that they don't as well. And finally, this assumes that they didn't have such a policy in place. Consider what would have happened were you to have contemplated a counter offer from the company. There's probably an outcome in there that's pretty good for both sides, an when that happens it's a broader win for everyone.