Pivoting from machine operator to something new - what worked for you?

After 10 years as a machine operator I am thinking about moving into a different field. I am in Raleigh, in case local advice matters. I have good customer skills and I am comfortable with spreadsheets. Did you take a pay cut?

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

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