If you are already established in a current career, changing to a new career path involves taking a large amount of risk. But as the saying goes "no guts, no glory", and taking the risk can lead to great benefits. When looking into a new career path you should evaluate the amount of risk and the possible benefits. There are also some things you can do to start moving toward a new career without immediately giving up the stable career that you currently have.
The first thing you can do is offer to volunteer for something that applies to your desired career. You can gain experience that will boost your resume toward to your new career path and make the transition easier. You can also find out if this career change is right for you without immediately giving up your current career path. You can also take a part-time job in the field you are interested in. Like volunteering this gives you the chance to experience your desired career without losing your current one.
Going back to school is also a great way to boost your resume and gain experience with a new career. By taking classes at night at either a university or vocational school, you can move toward the new career without sacrificing your current stable career and paycheck. Schooling will often provide benefits even if you do not decide to change careers. It can help you move toward another area in your current career or just help you get the skills that will help you move forward in your current career. Going back to school is a decision that few people ever regret, so the risk with this plan is relatively small, though it does involve a monetary investment.
You can also decide to give up your current career and dive headfirst in a new one. You can help to supplement the decrease in income by working part time jobs on the side. This can be through working a part time job with an employer, or through freelancing. If you stay within your desired career path you can increase your experience and boost your resume by working within your field. The extra work might take up all your free time, but in the end you will be able to work in a job that you truly enjoy, which is a benefit that could be worth the risk. Giving up your current career by choice is a very risky maneuver, so if possible is always best to try and get experience and knowledge of your desired switch before quitting your current job. If you do not have that choice, then freelancing may be your best option.
If you have achieved a lot of success in your current career, and don't want to start over entirely, consider offering your services as a consultant or business coach. You can also choose to open your own business in a field that you love and have experience in. Whether your decision to start a new career is voluntary, or prompted by job loss, make the most of the opportunity, and take the time to find something that you love to do.