Career change after a layoff, where to begin? - what worked for you?

After 14 years as a web developer I am thinking about moving into a different field. There are 14 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My family is supportive but nervous. How did you start?

Try a small project in the new field before committing. It told me a lot about whether I would enjoy it.

I began with informational chats, then a short online course, then a related entry-level role. It took about 9 months.