Changing careers at 8 years into a job, is it realistic? - what worked for you?

My layoff made me rethink whether to stay in my field. I am in Jacksonville, in case local advice matters. 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 5 months.