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

I want to move from electrician's helper to something with more stability. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. My family is supportive but nervous. Did you take a pay cut?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

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