Q I work in a small subdivision of a medium-size government agency. I am in a specialized field that requires a specific advanced degree and licensing. I have nine years of experience in this field. I started my current job two years ago, and when I was hired, my boss went through an arduous process with HR to deem me “exceptionally qualified” to recruit me at a higher pay rate. Since I joined, I have had consistently high performance evaluations. I have enjoyed this job, which is interesting and also offers a good work-life balance. But I have noticed a dearth of opportunities for advancement. My supervisor has talked to me about this very issue, advising that although she’d like me to stay forever, if I’m interested in advancement I should consider not staying more than five years because it’s unlikely I’ll have an opportunity to become a supervisor, given how few positions there are and how rarely people leave.

Recently a midlevel supervisor announced her departure. I’d like to be considered to either fill her position or serve in an acting capacity until it is filled. What’s the best way to signal my interest? I have a history of undervaluing myself and don’t want to count myself out unnecessarily, but I also don’t want to turn people off.

— Anonymous

A Go for it. Why? Well, you said it: You have a history of undervaluing yourself. But I want to address some specific things you wrote in your query, starting with the idea that communicating your interest may come off as wrong to your supervisor. Have you experienced pushback when expressing professional ambition in previous jobs? Is there something about your supervisor or boss that gives you the impression that they look down on underlings who make it clear that they want to grow their careers? You say that your supervisor would “like me to stay forever.” That sounds like she respects you and your work, so much so that she’s been straightforward with you about the challenges you may face in terms of advancement.

Your supervisor’s transparency about this feels like a green light for you to approach her directly and tell her that although you’re relatively new to the agency, you want to stretch your wings and would love to be considered for the open position. Explain that you like your job and want to stay at the agency and advance within it.

As for the ideas that signaling your interest may be presumptuous or that people “talk” in your office, or both, my response is “no” and “so what?” Maybe I’m naive, but I think communicating ambition is much more likely to come across as distasteful when the person asking is entitled and aggressive.

One last thing: I wonder whether part of your hesitation to speak up has something to do with the idea that were you to ask for this more substantial role and then be denied it, you might feel so disappointed that you’d be compelled to start looking for work elsewhere. I understand. Putting yourself out there for something that you don’t end up getting would probably be enough to make someone want to leave a job, not so much in a huff but with a feeling of mild humiliation. Not landing the job could also be a clear sign that the potential for advancement at the agency is even more limited than you initially understood.

In asking to tackle a new role at a job you love, you risk not just hearing “no” but having to reconfigure how you think about the future, and where that future may lie. I still think you should ask. It’s time to stop holding yourself back.

Anna Holmes is an award-winning writer, editor and creative exec whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and The New Yorker.