Changing jobs is tempting. From taking on a new adventure and the potential of a pay increase to the opportunity of exploring new surroundings, a new job can be exciting.

Staying with one employer for a long time — in fact for a very long time — always has major benefits, too. If you look at people who stick with one employer for the long haul, they are often seen as an asset to the organisation. They are more likely to move up faster than others and they eventually get to a better financial situation.

It only takes patience and strategic planning. In addition, it is important to stick with an employer who invests in training, professional development and employees’ welfare.

If you know that you’re with the right employer, here are a few tips that can help you resist the temptation of changing jobs and make the best out of sticking around.

Have a plan

If you’re working for a company that has the resources and culture of investing in its employees, make a plan for how you will be able to benefit from existing and future opportunities. The plan is not a step-by-step process, but involves setting goals for professional development that go beyond the natural flow of promotion, luck and opportunity.

For example, set your eyes on where you want to be in five years, and see what type of initiative or training is needed to achieve this. You also will need to build long-term connections with decision makers to make sure the work is recognised. In addition, don’t overlook issues that may be hurting your image.

That is not to say you want to get involved in office politics, but just make sure that there is nothing out there that might be in the way of you moving forward when the time comes.

See the bigger picture

A new job often offers immediate excitement and gratification. But if happy with where you are, look at how far you want to risk the situation for an unknown place — especially if your entire motif is just change.

Even when the new place offers some extra money or a better title, make sure to objectively evaluate the importance of these two compared to the risk you are taking. If the current employer is competitive in market, salaries probably will even out within a certain time frame to what is being offered elsewhere. And you always can ask for an adjustment if they are not.

The point is: Don’t jump ship at the first sign of a better offer. Think of the bigger picture of where that new opportunity puts you, how it impacts your advancement and whether the new employer can fast-track your professional development. In many cases — not always — you may find sticking with the current employer is a better option.

Bear in mind that any job change also comes with a learning curve, which can set you back slightly in a new place if a new opportunity emerges within a short period of getting hired. The same doesn’t happen in a place where you have been established.

In fact, many people get more than one jump up the ladder if they have been seen and confirmed as a good fit.

Commitment matters

Know that just like you’ve chosen to stay with the employer for the long run, your company also does value long service. That places you in a good situation and gives a better standing when things are tough. For example, several newer hires may be ahead of you in case of layoffs. This type of job stability is valuable.

Similarly, the trust and record that you build over the years also help when things are not working out perfectly or there are office problems. Your supervisors and higher management probably would know exactly who you are, what you do and what you stand for.

That is another aspect that may not be transferable to a new job — despite your overall industry knowledge. These matters of job security and stability matter because you do earn them over the years and they set you apart from others.

So next time you think the grass is greener somewhere else, make sure to not overlook what you’ve earned through years of hard work.

The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.

Stay with your employer

Think beyond the excitement of a new job.

Plan for your professional advancement.

Value your long-term stability and record.

Don’t rush to a new job just for a minor perk.