Career change after a layoff, where to begin? (Chicago)

After 7 years as a medical assistant I am thinking about moving into a different field. Any experience at all would help. 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 made the follow-up calls so much easier.