Yes, Lori had a job. She was a stylist, a really good colorist. She worked in a salon before she married Joe (also prior to that?), and then had a home salon in the Dripping Springs house she and Joe owned. After they divorced, she continued working until she married Charles. I don't think she worked after that, she might have kept doing hair for a few clients in their homes for awhile?
And I do think Tammy knew something was very, very wrong, more wrong than usual.... Every time they go to that photo of her looking so radiant in the red top....