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

After 11 years as a data-entry clerk I am thinking about moving into a different field. There are 11 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My family is supportive but nervous. Has anyone made a similar move?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.