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

After 14 years as an operations analyst I am thinking about moving into a different field. I am in Richmond, in case local advice matters. I have a little time and a small budget for training. Did you take a pay cut?

I began with informational chats, then a short online course, then a related entry-level role. It took about 6 months.

I took a small pay cut for a year, and it was worth it for the growth afterwards.