Career change after a layoff, where to begin? - any advice?

After 8 years as a quality inspector I am thinking about moving into a different field. My family is supportive but nervous. Did you take a pay cut?

Try a small project in the new field before committing. It told me a lot about whether I would enjoy it.

I began with informational chats, then a short online course, then a related entry-level role. It took about 14 months.