VT the job market here is still really tight, and ageism is real when you go looking. I don't know what your field is. Be aware that public universities in the USA are undergoing severe budget cuts. They are cutting programs and professional staff, divesting themselves of degree programs with low enrollments, enlarging class sizes, finding that research grants are drying up, etc. I don't know what your area of expertise might be. If it is highly specialized and there are few people in the job market with the knowledge, skills and expertise, you might be all right.   Otherwise, don't count on being well qualified to land the job for you. Competition is fierce. From the standpoint of employers, it is a "buyers market" right now.

I have fairly recent experience looking for other work opportunities after age 50, and very recent experience with hiring new staff.

Regarding the vacancy I just filled, the applicant pool was incredibly deep. I began the process worried that I would not get qualified applicants at the wage and benefit package offered. Instead, I ended up with 6 applicants I thought could hit the ground running, and another 5, if the 1st 6 had declined, that I felt pretty confident could quickly grow into the position.

My understanding is you have some significant health/medical issues. If you move back and do not line up work quickly, will you still qualify for health care benefits in the UK, and will you have the means to fly back to the UK to access those benefits if you need them? If so, that might make the move more feasible than it might otherwise be, should you not quickly find work here.

Not trying to discourage you at all. Were I in your shoes I would be absolutely aching to be near my child, and willing to contemplate considerable sacrifices in other areas of my life now or in the future to do so. Just do your homework. Research. Network. Like you are doing now. There is no wrong decision. Just do what it is within your scope of power to do to make an informed decision regarding the potential costs and benefits.

All the best,

Janie