Hello Colleen:
It seems as if you are now in remission. Congratulations. I’m happy for you. You are a strong person to have weathered that storm.
Regarding your question…
It’s OK to just pick up and leave your job and head to a new city. As you look for work though, you will be likely asked why you chose to quit your job and move. You can truthfully answer that you want to be closer to your son. If you so choose, you can also disclose your successful battle with cancer as the precipitating event. This could have some negative repercussions however, as some employers may see you as a health risk that could negatively affect their health care premiums. The decision to disclose your reason for moving is up to you.
On the other hand, you may want to attempt to find a job in your son’s city before leaving your current employer. The best way to do this is to draw a circle around the city where you want to live -- five, ten, twenty five miles – as much as you are willing to commute. Then do some research and identify the companies where you would like to work. Get in touch with these companies. Tell them you are moving to their area for family reasons and see if they have any openings that match your skill set.
I can be more specific if you let me know the type of work you are looking for.
I hope this helps.
Bud

Colleen,

Congratulations on your decision to move forward.  It's a common theme among cancer patients.  It certainly is for me.  We re-assess our priorities and make decisions about what we want in our lives and what we don't.

Bud has covered the approach of finding a new job. Let me add something about the community you chose.

How close to your son do you plan to live ? Here are some considerations in identifying the environment that will suit your interests and needs.

Are you seeking an environment with a lot of outdoor activities, arts, performances, access to college for additional training? Do you want to be close to an airport, to a beach, able to walk or bicycle to downtown?  How close are the medical facilities or cancer center?

Once you determine what works for YOU, tap into the professional organizations you  belong to, look for chapters in that town to make contacts who will be able to help you settle in and perhaps find a job. Reconnect with your former work network and see whether someone might have contacts  in your new surroundings. While you do not want to back to corporate, use corporate contacts as a stepping stone to make new contacts.  It's a small world.

I suggest this, because while you may want to live close by to your son, you probably want to maintain some independence too. It may be lonely to start over some place else, so it's good to have some leads.  Read up about the area; look for organizations and activities that will appeal to you. Start a list of the types of jobs that you would like to explore and do some research in advance using websites. Make it a fun exploration. Use your new network to find a job. You can also check in with  temporary agencies and websites, if you get bored.

Start re-writing your resume or bio, to reflect your skills, knowledge, competencies to show how they can apply to the type of job(s) you may want to do next. Be creative. Look at it all as temporary and try out a few things. 

I hope this is helpful.  Keep in touch and tell us how you are doing.  Don't forget to check out all resources  on our website that are available to you.  Good luck and have fun!

Margot

Thank you both for your very positive affrimation that I am not being reckless with this decision.  I will definitly keep you posted on how it goes....3 months and counting :)

I will use both of your recommendations as well as the website.  Thank you again for setting some of my concerns to rest!  It is scary but nothing woth while is without risk, so here I go :)

I'm with you Colleen.  Best of luck as you move forward with your life.