headlight switch shaft release

[wwc]

I removed the instrument panel from the dash, detaching all connectors. I released the shaft for the headlights by depressing the button on top of the headlight controls. Replacing the panel I reinserted the headlight shaft, forgot to put on the chrome ring so I tried removing the shaft from the switch like before but I will not come out regardless of how hard I push the button on the switch or what position the shaft is in. Lights will work, but I would like to replace the chrome ring behind the knob. Any idea why its stuck?

68 chevy c10