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

After 9 years as a software tester I am thinking about moving into a different field. I am in Columbus, in case local advice matters. I have a little time and a small budget for training. How did you start?

I took a small pay cut for a year, and it was worth it for the growth afterwards.

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