You held out for more than the company wanted to pay.
Now get ready to suffer the consequences.
Among the "me" generation, it's fashionable to try to get all you can. This seems especially true when candidates negotiate new pay packages. Even when prospects say compensation isn't their first priority when evaluating job offers - ranking it below challenge, opportunity, chemistry, and other factors - pay always seems to rise to the top during the final discussions.
No one thinks this is unusual. In fact, articles in respected business publications cite reasons and ways to hold out for the highest amount possible from employers. But this approach may be a mistake. We all want to be paid well, but when considering a career move, compensation must be kept in perspective and balanced with other, perhaps more important, considerations and rewards.
Don't be greedy. Instead, seek a win-win agreement with a new employer. Not only does this cement good relations for both parties during the negotiations, it may save you from the career disaster that can result from holding out for the maximum.