Whole sector shrinking, should I change fields? - what worked for you?

Many of the people I know in my field were laid off this year, including me as a machine operator. There are 10 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have transferable skills but no direct experience elsewhere. How did you choose?

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

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