Whole sector shrinking, should I change fields? (update)

Three companies in Atlanta cut staff in the same month. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have transferable skills but no direct experience elsewhere. Who has switched fields?

Talk to people in the field you are considering. Two coffee chats changed my mind about one option.

Look at job postings to see which skills repeat, then fill the gap. That gave me a direction.