Industry layoffs, what are people doing? - any advice?

Many of the people I know in my field were laid off this year, including me as a mechanic. I am in Hartford, in case local advice matters. The postings I see are fewer and ask for more. Who has switched fields?

A short certificate helped me more than a new degree would have. Check what local colleges offer.

I moved into operations work. The skills carried over and there were more openings than in my old field.