Gloria is obviously more cultured and brighter than Carm as the CBS joke went right over her head and was an avid world traveler. It really burned her up that someone so vapid and clueless became the wife of one of the most powerful men in the state.

Mikey_Sunset also brought up another great point, Carm just doesn't want to work. Remember when she was embarrassed that Angie was selling samples in the Supermarket to survive? She wouldn't have the courage to dig deep down and start over which is where she would be due to her 25-year gap in employment history. When her and Meadow went to that Art Museum, she told Mead outright that she is young and has a future career while getting a lawyer is the best plan her future.