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

After 17 years as an IT help-desk technician I am thinking about moving into a different field. I do not usually post, so bear with me. My family is supportive but nervous. Has anyone made a similar move?

You likely have more transferable skills than you think. Write down what you did, not what the job title said.

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