Changing careers at 17 years into a job, is it realistic?, HR coordinator here

After 17 years as an HR coordinator I am thinking about moving into a different field. It has been weighing on me all week. I have a little time and a small budget for training. 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 7 months.

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