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

After 5 years as a payroll clerk I am thinking about moving into a different field. It has been a long 23 weeks. 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 took a small pay cut for a year, and it was worth it for the growth afterwards.