Jon Gosselin's New Construction Gig Might Help Save His Public Image

By Rebecca Macatee Posted Feb 22nd 2011 02:00PM

Pop-Ed: I'm not a fan of Jon Gosselin. In fact, I'm one of the few who still likes Kate, so Jon's behavior following their separation has been all the more reprehensible to me. I mean, the guy's got eight kids. Did he really think it was OK to go buck-wild and hit the town drinking like he was 21 as soon as he was single again?

Well, you'll still never catch me in anything Ed Hardy, but Jon's recent toned-down behavior has significantly improved my opinion of him. We haven't been seeing as much of him in the tabloids, trashing Kate and ex-girlfriends, hanging out with Michael Lohan or being skuzzy in general. In fact, a few months ago, the 33-year-old returned to his original line of work as an IT consultant. Now, TMZ reports, the quintessential deadbeat dad is earning a paycheck once again. He's working in construction in Pennsylvania installing solar panels.

Construction work certainly isn't as glamorous as a lucrative reality TV gig, but it's an honest living. I commend Jon for breaking a sweat and doing some real work. The guy's had some notorious money troubles, including owing Kate $125,000 in child support payments and even reportedly still owing his 24-year-old ex Hailey Glassman $200,000. Laying down solar panels might not be the quickest way to earn big bucks, but it's better than nothing.

Of course, this isn't to say I'd begrudge Jon if he were to take on another reality gig. Unlike a lot of people, I didn't scoff when Kate did 'Dancing With the Stars.' It's a paycheck, and a big one at that. If you're in a position to cash in on your personality and you need the money -- and I think supporting eight kids certainly constitutes having a need for cash -- you'd be crazy to pass up an opportunity like that. But there's a difference between family-friendly reality TV and shamelessly selling out the person you used to love to the tabloids for a buck.

I'm really glad to see that -- for now at least -- Jon is taking a moral, grounded approach to making a living and being a responsible father. I'm betting Kate's pleased he's at least making an effort to help her out financially. I'd say Jon Gosselin has taken a step in the right direction toward redeeming his public image.

Tags: Jon Gosselin

Comments

(15)

Tuesday 22 February

By KT

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OMG !! Jon is showing that he`s a true man.He`s not out selling his kids like his crazy wife,HE WENT OUT AND GOT A REAL JOB....AYYYY JON !!!!

By Alexandra

You can like Kate all you want, but I absolutely do not agree with you. I abhor that woman mainly because she has traded her children's privacy and childhoods for a paycheck! This is inexcusable to me any obviously many in the public as she is one of the most hated people around.

By Miranda

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Maybe Jon will work off some of his Mid-life Crises Paunch.
There is a reason Kate has always had to wear the "pants" in her family. Otherwise everyone would've gone hungry. Step in the right direction?? Maybe. But most likely out of desperation not Morals.

By Lemondrop

There wouldn't have been a brood to feed if Kate hadn't insisted on more kids and popping out the next 6. They could have been fine on what he was earning until she decided she needed to have the huge house, the hair extensions, fake tans, fake boobs, trips all over creation, etc.

By Andrew

Jon owes Kate 125K for what?
They are making a ton off of their children. He worked for several years of the show. She stoppped working after the twins. Actually, any of the work that was not done by outsiders, was done by Jon. When they got divorced, she was upset her indentured servant left and she might actually have to work.

By TINA

I AGREE WITH YOU ANDREW!! HAD SHE NOT BEEN SUCH A B..... JON MIGHT HAVE STUCK AROUND.

By Yvette

Jon always did have a job and supported his family. It wasn't until his wife insisted that he quit his job and take care of the family so she could go out and earn big bucks on the lecturing circuit that he ended his career to satisfy her ambitions. He didn't quit his job with the state of Pennsylvania because of his own wishes, it was because his domineering wife made him quit because she could earn much more on the lecturing circuit than his high paying state position even could get them. Yet, because he gave up his job to please her, she later used that against him to trash him.

By Kathy

Why do we need to be hearing about either of them? I thought they were gone for good. Please stop talking about them!!!

By mw

Agreed, it's been so nice not hearing about them, now here we go again, how long before we hear about her and her latest woes?

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Well, really what else could he do. He ran out of money and he had to eat. If he had the bucks he's still be out acting like he was 20 yrs old.

By KS.

Didnt even know this guy HAD an image!

By KAARAN

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YOU PEOPLE ARE SUCH LOOSERS. YOU TALK LIKE YOU KNOW THIS GUY. LIKE HE IS A PERSONAL FRIEND. THE ONLY INFORMATION YOU HAVE ABOUT HIM IS WHAT YOU READ IN THE ENQUIRER. AND YOUR JUST REPEATING WHAT YOU READ. YOU DONT KNOW HIM!! HE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! GET A LIFE!

Oh buss off Kaaran...

By anon

Kate said it herself. They couldn't afford the twins let alone eight. Guess she never heard of birth control....what a dummy. Jon never stood a chance. Even her ex boyfriend said she was controlling. Jon has a job and she is still making digs about him. Does this woman ever think of her children???? Kate should keep her mouth shut. Kate should disappear.

By Erin

Now that Jon is trying to have a "normal" life, Kate should do the same and they can both disappear. Stop writing about them!!!!!!!!!!!

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