Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search

Executive Career Change: When Stability isn’t enough - Paul’s Career Switch Story

8 snips
Sep 29, 2025
Paul Ichilcik, a communications leader and change specialist, reveals his journey from a draining role to one that truly aligns with his strengths. He shares how he recognized his job wasn't a fit despite appearing great on paper and how a failed pitch became his turning point. Paul emphasizes the importance of defining personal values and creating an Ideal Career Profile to guide career decisions. He also discusses the challenge of leaving a seemingly secure job and gives insightful advice on pursuing roles that energize rather than drain.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Role Looked Good But Felt Empty

  • Paul spent 80–90% of his time on work he didn't enjoy, like outreach and pitching instead of writing and change communications.
  • A major pitch that failed after two months of effort triggered his sense that something had to change.
INSIGHT

Security And Identity Keep You Stuck

  • Security, identity, and external markers of success keep people in roles that drain them rather than energize them.
  • Challenging those assumptions helped Paul begin to redefine success around his strengths and values.
ANECDOTE

Gradual Burnout Led To A Breakpoint

  • Over 12–18 months Paul noticed his days grew longer and his energy and fulfillment declined as the balance of work shifted away from what he loved.
  • A pitch experience crystallized that his role's future and daily reality didn't match the potential on paper.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app