When criticizing reality stars, viewers often fall back on the “get a real job” argument.
This is understandable, as some of the folks who have become obscenely wealthy from living their lives in front of a camera crew appear to do very little in the way of actual work.
Amber Portwood, for example, pulls in a mid-six-figure income despite a lifestyle so indolent that she’s adopted the sloth as her “spirit animal.”
But not every star in the Teen Mom universe has adopted such a disdainful attitude toward work.
Take Briana DeJesus, for example.
Briana says she has a real job — and she also claims that putting in long hours week after week is really starting to pay off.
Here’s the latest on DeJesus’ financial situation — and why her latest comments have left some fans confused:
Every Day She’s Hustlin’ (MTV) Briana is the newest addition to the Teen Mom 2 family, which means she hasn’t been raking in MTV paychecks for her entire adult life like the rest of the ladies.
Started From the Bottom Sure, Briana got her start on Teen Mom 3, but the show only lasted for one season, which means there were several years in which she was a single mom without a reality show gig to pay the bills.
Cue the Dolly Parton Song Which means that, like most Americans, Briana had no choice but to start workin’ 9 to 5.
What a Way to Make a Living “I hate when people tell me to get a real job. I have one! I work in corporate America. Regular 9-5 like everyone else. I’ll never forget where I came from,” she recently tweeted.
What Does She Do? DeJesus revealed back in 2017 that she works for a travel company, but it wasn’t until this week that we learned she STILL works for the same company!
Keepin’ It Real DeJesus received widespread praise for her work ethic, with one follower replying, “It’s not on the show, and people don’t look beyond that. I give you credit for still keeping it.”
Putting Her Money Where Her Mouth Is So needless so say, Bri isn’t having any of your “real job” criticism. She works hard for the money — and she puts said money to good use.
It’s All Happening! Bri revealed this week that she’s building a house and will soon be a homeowner for the first time. And it seems she won’t be moving in alone.
Don’t Mess With the DeJesuses (MTV) Currently, Bri lives with her mother and sister, both of whom assist in the raising of her kids — and apparently, that will be the arrangement in the new house, as well.
She Really Did It! “Guys, I f–king did it!” Bri tweeted, obviously excited about providing a home for her family. And of course, “fans” were quick to rain on her parade.
So What? When one follower suggested that Bri might continue to living with her mom and sis, the reality star replied in sassy fashion.
Seems Pretty Grown Up to Us! No one else in Briana’s family is making the kind of money she earns, and with two time-consuming jobs, she probably appreciates the help around the house. Makes sense!
Bombarded With Questions Lots of people offered ideas and unsolicited advice on how Bri should live her life — and she had a response for each of them.
It Works For Now (MTV) “Well, I’m in a long distance relationship and there’s no plans being made for us to be together in one state right now and plus I’ll always take care of my family. I got a forever home that we can always go back to. Doesn’t mean everyone is living together forever,” Briana tweeted.
Bri and Johnny Briana is in a relationship with Johnny Rodriguez, who currently resides in New York City.
Living Like Regular Folk Johnny also has a “real job” — and he appears to have very little interest in living the glamorous life of an MTV reality star.
What the Future Holds … Maybe someday, Johnny will move to Orlando to be closer to Bri. But for the moment, the current arrangement seems to be working.
If It Ain’t Broke … Bri seems to have adopted the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality with regard to her career and her living arrangement.
Staying the Course She had a job she liked, so she kept it. She likes living with her mom and sister — so she’ll continue to do so.
Nice Change of Pace Frankly, it’s the kind of sensible, down-to-earth thinking the Teen Mom universe could use more of.