Entertainment

Here's Where Those 'Bachelor' Job Titles Come From

by Courtney Lindley

Remember last season when Emily and Haley Ferguson's job on The Bachelor was listed as "Twin"? Yeah, me too. Though I would kind of like to forget it, considering how much more I'm sure those two have to offer other than being roommates in the womb for nine months. But, it turns out that this type of occupation isn't just an inside joke in the editing room. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the producers explained the reasoning behind these bizarre Bachelor occupations — and it actually makes a lot of sense.

Here's how the idea originated: After a few seasons, producers realized that vague job titles like "consultant" or "entrepreneur" weren't catchy enough — and therefore (this is my own interpretation) too uninteresting to hold our attention. According to the producers, viewers needed a way to get a quick sense of who these contestants were as people. Some would call that an unfair snap judgement; I would call it smart television making.

So, how do they decide on the names exactly? Well, first producers throw out the idea that "job title" has to be an actual job, and think about the contestants in terms of some "other dominant trait." Like "chicken enthusiast." Or this season's most head-scratching moniker: "Hipster." Though it's easy to make fun of this ridiculousness, the job titles have added another aspect of self-awareness to a show that really benefits from that kind of treatment, considering that it's been on air for well over a decade. And the contestants? According to the producers, most of the time they're in on the joke as well.

Now that we know the reasoning, let's take a look back at some of the weirdest job titles in Bachelor/ette history.

1. Dog Lover

Do you think she's an independent contractor or...?

2. Grain Merchant

#TBT to 1823.

3. Healer

The irony of identifying as a healer with a black eye.

4. Hipster

Brandon is the current standing original Bachelorette hipster. Which is, like, sooo hipster of him.

5. Manscaper

I'm bummed for her.

6. Tailor/Magician

For whoever says you can't have it all.

7. Free Spirit

Wondering if this is considered volunteer work or not.

8. Jumbotron Operator

I mean, somebody has to do it.

9. Sports Fishing Enthusiast

Mmmm. Mmmhhmmm.

10. Mineral Coordinator

Your minerals are out of hand. Get them together.

11. Twin

Do they have to call in sick together?

12. Erectile Dysfunction Expert

I'm not saying this isn't a job, and that's it's not important work. I'm just giggling and hiding in the corner.

13. Panstapreneur

I can make up words too. Cardigansultant.

14. Chicken Enthusiast

I respect this kind of commitment to your dream.

What will they come up with next?

Images: ABC (15)