Pivoting from IT help-desk technician to something new

After 4 years as an IT help-desk technician I am thinking about moving into a different field. I am in Atlanta, in case local advice matters. My family is supportive but nervous. How did you start?

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

Try a small project in the new field before committing. It told me a lot about whether I would enjoy it.