Pivoting from payroll clerk to something new - 7 months and counting

After 15 years as a payroll clerk I am thinking about moving into a different field. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. My family is supportive but nervous. 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.