[marmetio]

I think you need to approach this from the opposite direction. Conventional path is study, find a job, network to find a better job. I suggest you first network to find where you'd like end up, and then ask those people for advice on how to get there. It's motivating to see the finish line from the very beginning.

Try to go to free conferences or meetups or networking events, and be honest that you're shopping around for a career change. Some of the people who aren't looking for jobs themselves will probably be intrigued enough to offer decent advice and insight.

You'll get much better and quicker results if you aim for 10x networking and socialization. If it makes you uncomfortable because you feel like a failure, tell people you just felt inspired to do something different. Everyone has that feeling, but few people actually act on it. Don't let their choices hold you back.