If you’ve kept up with the revolving door of drama on MTV, you know Gary Shirley. Most people remember him as the guy in the "Belden" t-shirts from 16 and Pregnant, constantly bickering with Amber Portwood while trying to figure out how to be a dad. But that was a lifetime ago. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much he’s changed. People constantly ask what does Gary Shirley do for a living because, let’s be real, most reality stars just fade into the background or survive on Instagram spon-con forever.
Gary didn't do that. He’s actually one of the few cast members who treated that MTV paycheck like a seed instead of a bottomless pit.
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The Badge and the Uniform
The biggest shocker for fans came in 2019. Gary’s wife, Kristina, posted a photo of him being sworn in as a police officer in Indiana. It wasn't just a gimmick for the cameras. He actually went through the training and became a reserve officer.
Now, there’s a bit of nuance here. Being a reserve or volunteer officer means he isn't necessarily walking a beat forty hours a week like a standard patrolman. It’s often a part-time or on-call role. In Indiana, these officers usually have the same powers as full-time cops but might focus on traffic control, community events, or helping out during emergencies. Some critics on Reddit and Twitter tried to downplay it, saying he’s just a "mall cop" or something, but he was legally sworn in. He did the work.
From Scrubs to Real Estate
Before the badge, Gary was a CNA. A Certified Nursing Assistant.
It’s a grueling job. You’re doing the heavy lifting, the cleaning, and the basic patient care that keep hospitals and nursing homes running. He eventually stepped away from that, but that background in caregiving probably helped him keep his cool during some of the more... intense seasons of Teen Mom.
But here is where he got smart.
Gary started buying property.
While other reality stars were buying designer bags, he was buying houses in Indiana. By 2023, reports suggested he owned multiple rental properties and several plots of land.
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- He owns at least four homes.
- He manages two plots of land.
- His real estate holdings are estimated to be worth over $500,000.
Basically, he’s a landlord. That passive income is likely what allows him to spend so much time at home with his daughters, Leah and Emilee. It’s a classic move: use the "easy" TV money to buy assets that pay you even when the cameras stop rolling.
The "Spite Farmer" Life
If you follow him on Instagram, you've seen the farm. It started out almost like a hobby, but it grew into a legitimate side hustle. Gary sells vegetables, eggs, and homemade goods. He even had a line of "Gary Way" baked goods at one point.
Some fans jokingly call it "spite farming" because it seems so different from the life Amber Portwood leads, but it clearly brings him peace. He’s out there with chickens and tomato plants. It’s a far cry from the shouting matches in the early 2000s. He’s essentially turned his home into a working homestead that contributes to the family's bottom line.
Reality TV is Still a Job
We can’t ignore the obvious. What Gary Shirley does for a living still involves MTV. Even in 2026, the Teen Mom franchise has a way of sticking around. Whether it's The Next Chapter or various spin-offs, Gary remains a staple.
Reality stars at his level can make anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 per season. That’s "quit your day job" money. But again, the difference with Gary is that he didn't assume it would last forever. He diversified.
He also did a weird stint with a condom line. Remember that? "Put your Gary on." It was... a choice. It probably didn't make him a millionaire, but it shows he’s always been willing to try different ways to make a buck.
Why Gary’s Career Path Matters
Most people in his position crash and burn. We’ve seen it a hundred times. They get the fame, they spend the money, and then they’re left with nothing. Gary did the opposite.
- He invested in tangible assets (Land/Houses).
- He maintained a "regular" career path (CNA/Police).
- He leaned into his passions (Farming).
Honestly, it's a blueprint for anyone who finds themselves with a sudden windfall. He’s not just "Amber’s ex" anymore. He’s a property owner and a community figure.
If you're looking to follow a similar path—minus the reality TV cameras—the lesson is clear. Don't rely on one source of income. Gary has the rental checks, the MTV checks, and the farm sales. That’s how you build a stable life when your starting point was as chaotic as his was. If you want to start building your own security, look into local real estate markets or even small-scale agricultural side hustles. They aren't glamorous, but they're reliable.