Changing careers at 12 years into a job, is it realistic? after 12 years as a machine operator

I want to move from machine operator to something with more stability. I do not usually post, so bear with me. I have good customer skills and I am comfortable with spreadsheets. Did you take a pay cut?

I began with informational chats, then a short online course, then a related entry-level role. It took about 2 months.

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