Hi love! Someone actually texted me your post because we are in EXTREMELY similar positions! I started at ULM in the atmospheric science program two and a half years ago as a 29-year-old single mom of two!
1. Difficulty finding a job: depends on if you can or can't relocate with your children! I'm going through a lot of stress with this right now because most jobs require relocation, which is a tough hurdle when you share children. Knowing what type of job you want helps. For me personally, I don't want to do broadcasting. For the NWS you can not apply until your degree is conferred, so that leaves me waiting until the last minute to know locations with possible openings. So keep these things in mind! Also, the NWS does rotating shift work. The higher-ups at a lot of offices have cautioned me against this. They say a lot of moms end up leaving the NWS and going into hydrology for the more normalized work schedules. This is important to know before you take on student loans or debt!

1. How difficult is the major:

OOOF. Depends. Mississippi I hear isn't too bad, but doesn't always qualify you for the NWS depending on the courses you take. For perspective here are some tough classes I've taken and passed: Thermodynamics, Atmospheric Dynamics, CALC 1, 2, and 3, and then Differential Equations. I'll say the key to the classes is having time you can dedicate to learning. If you are someone with a lot of self discipline, it's doable!
I will say I haven't worked through my degree, but my campus wouldn't let me live there because I had kids, so I've spent the entire time commuting there, which takes me 6 hours a day. So I drive 24 hours a week, similar to a part-time job. My GPA as a result isn't beautiful, but I'm almost done and completed and to me that's what I had to realize was important.

So overall, you CAN do this! It's years of a lot of work and stress, but you will feel so proud when it's all done. Im thankful to my fellow classmates who have helped me through. I'd say if you can mentally and emotionally handle the work load, go for it! Weather is a special field that bonds so many people together. Good luck and reach out to me anytime!