It has become much more commonplace for employees to find new jobs more often, sometimes correctly believing that they may be able to increase their income or earn higher titles faster by making the change.

According to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees stay with their current employer for an average of 3.9 years, which is the lowest average employee tenure since 2002.

And while it’s easy to understand why workers are ready to make a change to make more, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. There can be significant benefits to staying with a great employer that can directly impact your long-term earning potential.

1. Career advancement opportunities

Growing into a new role and earning a promotion with your current company may be easier than snagging a higher title with a different employer for several reasons.

First, your current leadership is already deeply familiar with your skill set, including soft skills that may be needed for a senior role. They may have even provided feedback to help you grow into a specific role, and know that you have the experience and advanced skills needed to excel if promoted.

External hiring teams don’t have that information. They may believe you’re sufficient in your current role, but it may be more challenging to demonstrate the expertise needed to prove you’re ready for a more senior role.

Second, it’s important to remember that many companies prefer to promote their internal talent when possible. These hires already have extensive organizational knowledge, and leaders can select team members they know well and are confident in.

A 2023 study found that 49.5% of organizations planned to fill roles with internal team members when possible. If your current employer has a solid reputation for facilitating internal job mobility and promotions, it may present you with strong career advancement opportunities over time.

2. Increased job security 

While there are some exceptions, duration as an employee can directly tie to increased job security and stability.

This happens for several reasons:

• You acquire invaluable organizational knowledge in addition to your skills, which is extremely difficult for employers to replace.
• You establish tenure, and some companies may prioritize newer employees during layoffs.
• You develop the skills needed to excel in your role, making you more valuable.
• You build internal relationships that provide job security.

During potentially turbulent times, knowing that your job is as stable as possible can be a huge advantage. You can continue working towards upward mobility and new internal opportunities while feeling secure that you aren’t first on the chopping block in tough times.

3. Internal mobility options

It’s important to remember that career advancement opportunities don’t just include direct promotions. Staying at your company longer can present opportunities for you to make lateral shifts, too.

A critical care nurse, for example, may feel burnt out from the high-stress environment and patient needs that are both urgent and challenging. They love nursing, however, and take advantage of their professional network within their current hospital and an internal training program to change roles. They might work to become a case management nurse to help patients oversee long-term healthcare plans.

Internal mobility creates more growth opportunities, allowing you to develop new skills and grow into new roles. And in many cases, it can be easier to grow into new opportunities with an internal employer who is familiar with your skills.

4. Accrue more benefits

While each company is different, many allow you to accrue benefits the longer you work there.

Many companies allow you to accrue more time off the longer you work with a company, for example. Others may require that you work at an organization for at least a year before taking advantage of benefits like student loan repayment programs or employee education assistance. Similarly, companies may require that you work at the organization for at least a year after using some benefits.

As a result, the longer you stay with your current employer, the longer you can take advantage of their benefits program.

5. Relationship building and networking

If you stay with the same employer for more time, you can solidify your relationships with peers and superiors alike. You might be pulled onto more projects or receive opportunities to get more face time with senior leadership.

The stronger your relationships are in your organization, the more likely it is you’ll be considered for additional career advancement opportunities.

To stay or go: How to know whether you should leave your organization

No one knows for certain whether staying with your current employer or considering a new one is best for you. There are exceptional benefits that come with keeping your current job, but there are certain circumstances when it may make sense to leave. These circumstances include:

• You believe a round of layoffs is likely imminent and feel your job is likely at risk.
• You’re unhappy with the company culture or your leadership, including direct and senior leadership.
• The company has historically tended to hire externally instead of promoting from within.
• Your company’s wage and benefits packages are consistently much lower than direct competitors.
• You think you’d have a better quality of life with a new employer due to factors like a better work-life balance or more remote and flexible work options.

How to make the most out of sticking with your employer

Retaining with your current employer can offer exceptional benefits and significant potential for career advancement if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

If you decide to continue working under your current employer for the time being, you can take several steps to generate the most opportunities and benefits possible. These steps include:

• Take advantage of all available benefits, including networking opportunities, employee education benefits for skill development, and career and education coaching programs.
• Invest in your relationships with both peers and supervisors.
• Request feedback from your manager about skill development and growth opportunities that can help you reach your professional goals.
• Take initiative to lead projects or learn new skills.

Want to learn more about reaching your professional goals? Get more career advancement tips on our blog.