Changing careers at 16 years into a job, is it realistic?, welding apprentice here

After 16 years as a welding apprentice I am thinking about moving into a different field. I have been trying to stay organised about it. My family is supportive but nervous. Did you take a pay cut?

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.

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