Moving & Jobs from CA to Chicago (transport, moved to, suburbs)

[megarot]

I'm considering moving from CA to Chicago.
Currently I live in a smaller desert city - Palm Springs. And although my research has shown financially this could be a great move, I worry about getting a job. I would definitely need to secure a job before I moved.
However, I really wonder what a job market is going to be like. Is it going to be harder to get a job in a smaller city or the bigger city? anybody have any input on that?
Its only a matter of a few months until the business I work with will be out of business. Its a matter of finding something here and sticking it out or taking what I have saved and moving to Chicago.
A bit of background in case anyone asks - I'm an Office Manager for a masonry construction office and stone supplier (I manage 2 separate businesses).
And the reason I've chose Chicago is because its a great city (not that it has the best unemployment rate right now) and I'm sick and tired of living in CA.

[sueprnova]

I do suggest you find something if possible before you move here. We moved to Chicago a few months ago. Drove from MoVal. However my husband was transferred out here. It's nothing like PS or anyplace in CA that you've ever been to...Do your homework and go to the Chicago forum with neighborhood questions.
I love it here...it just depends on what you're looking for...

[megarot]

Trust me... I've done so many hours of homework I can name Chicago stats, history, neighborhoods, jobs and apartment prices on craigslist... just so much. And yet until I'm there I know I'll continue to hunt for more information. That is exactly what I'm doing here.
I'll be going back for another visit and collecting as much info as I can in May - not a long trip because its going to be a mini trip on the main trip to KC.
How long was your drive? I know if you map it, its something of a shot of 1 day, 5 hours (not including stops along the way).
Where are you at in Chicago? I'm looking to get closer into the city neighborhoods. My goal is selling my car and using public transportation. I know that is completely rational - unless I wanted to move way out in the suburbs which I don't.