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

After 8 years as a customer-service rep I am thinking about moving into a different field. I am in Sacramento, in case local advice matters. I have good customer skills and I am comfortable with spreadsheets. Has anyone made a similar move?

I began with informational chats, then a short online course, then a related entry-level role. It took about 13 months.