Career change after a layoff, where to begin? after 8 years as a dental hygienist

After 8 years as a dental hygienist I am thinking about moving into a different field. There are 8 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My family is supportive but nervous. Did you take a pay cut?

You likely have more transferable skills than you think. Write down what you did, not what the job title said.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.