Many people have a sense of what they want to do with their lives. This sense is often called a vocation, or a strong sense of purpose. For some, this call is loud and clear. They know what they want to do with their lives, and they go out and do it. For others, the calling is more ephemeral, and they struggle to feel confident in their path. For women, in particular, this struggle is compounded by societal expectations, which often limit their options and make their dreams feel distant or impossible.

It’s not uncommon for women to find themselves in roles that don’t feel quite right. Maybe they pursued a career that no longer feels fulfilling, or perhaps family obligations have kept them from pursuing their true vocation. Whatever the cause, when a woman feels trapped in her role, it can be an overwhelming experience.

The first step in coping with this feeling is to recognize it. Often, people who feel trapped in their role will try to ignore or downplay their emotions. They might convince themselves that they’re being silly or dramatic, or that they should be happy with what they have. But denying your own emotions will only make things worse in the long run. Instead, take the time to sit with your feelings and acknowledge them.

It’s important in this process to be gentle with yourself. Feeling trapped in your role can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel frustrated and sad. Don’t try to force yourself to feel better or to squash your emotions. Instead, give yourself permission to be vulnerable and to feel what you feel.

Once you’ve identified your emotions and given yourself space to experience them, it’s time to take action. This doesn’t mean you need to quit your job or uproot your entire life. Instead, focus on small changes that you can make to start moving toward your ideal role.

One way to do this is to reassess your priorities. What do you value most in life, and how does your current role align with those values? If there are significant gaps, think about how you can adjust your work or lifestyle to better align with your priorities.

Another option is to seek out new experiences. This could mean taking a class or workshop in a field that interests you, volunteering with an organization that aligns with your values, or exploring a new hobby. By exposing yourself to new possibilities, you might discover a new passion or vocation that you hadn’t considered before.

Ultimately, the most important thing when coping with feeling trapped in your role is to remember that you have agency. You are the author of your own life, and you have the power to make changes. It might not be easy, and it might not happen overnight, but by taking small steps toward your ideal life, you can start to feel more empowered and in control.

Feels trapped in your role is a common experience, especially for women. But it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. By acknowledging your feelings, prioritizing your values, and taking actionable steps toward your ideal life, you can start to feel more fulfilled and less trapped.