Career change after a layoff, where to begin?

I want to move from IT help-desk technician to something with more stability. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. 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.

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