As fans have seen many times before, contestants appearing on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette have different lives once the show is over. Sure, some do go back to their old lives as dentists or a software salespeople, but others decide to go for gold and make the jump into a brand new career. Like with anything in life, there are those Bachelor nation contestants who should have never changed their careers post-show. Because hindsight really is 20/20, even after a season (or two) on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.
Regardless of what happens with a contestant's career choice, though, at least there's always Bachelor in Paradise to try for another chance at love — or popularity. Nick Viall recently parlayed his appearance on BiP Season 3 into becoming 2017's Bachelor, despite not appearing on JoJo Fletcher's Bachelorette season and previously finishing as runner-up on two seasons of the show. And some contestants actually quit their jobs to join the series, proving that perhaps they were ready for a new career all along.
Here are some Bachelor nation folks who should have stuck to their former jobs before signing onto the franchise.
1. Andi Dorfman
Dorfman is clearly one of the smartest women to ever grace the Bachelor franchise. Before appearing on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Georgia. Being a criminal prosecutor is a tough job — and I could see it becoming harder to be in the courtroom after being on TV — but Dorfman quit law after the show and that's a shame. If only she had decided to use her law knowledge (and license) to her advantage, perhaps advising clients or opening her own law firm. Andi Dorfman & Associates, anyone?
2. Ben Higgins
The former Bachelor filed — then mysteriously unfiled — to run for Congress in Colorado, reported Just Jared. I know, it's kind of hard to imagine good, sweet Ben of software sales in the great big nasty world of politics — and perhaps that's what fueled the change. "I entered into this endeavor wanting to bring positive change to my community," Higgins said in a statement to Just Jared, "and it is with that same spirit that I will move forward, albeit on a different path."
3. JJ Lane
He left a high-powered career in investment banking and admitted to MarketWatch that his job search has been an uphill battle since. "Everyone knows who you are and employers see it as a distraction," he told the publication.
4. Lauren Himle
She quit her job as a kindergarten teacher to make a play for Ben Higgins' heart on The Bachelor. Now, Lauren is a realtor at Jeff Glover & Associates, according to her Instagram profile and the company's official website. "I knew that i wanted to do something different," she told MLive. "I am 25, and I was not fulfilled as a teacher. I needed a change."
While real estate may pay better and be a change of pace, I can't help but wonder if she misses the cute kids in her former career.
5. Kaitlyn Bristowe
The former dance instructor and Bachelorette told E! Online last year that she and fiance Shawn Booth "don't work anymore," but then corrected to say they have "jobs they can do anywhere" — meaning, you know, be themselves and make appearances and endorsements. But imagine if Bristowe also helped the world by teaching us all how to dance (via YouTube).
6. Grant Kemp
Before The Bachelorette, Kemp worked as a firefighter, but these days, it looks like he's going to give modeling a try. Kemp definitely has the looks and the bod for photos, but it's too bad there's one less first-responder out there.
As you can see, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette often gives its contestants a new beginning when it comes to their jobs.
