Jersey Shore stars' new reality: Unemployment

Claim to fame: Hard-partying. Pouf-hair. Getting punched out by a drunken gym teacher. Getting arrested for public intoxication. Finally, becoming a mother.

Before the Shore: Nicole Polizzi had been a high school cheerleader. She was attending college, studying to be a veterinary technician and living with her mom when she was drafted for Jersey Shore.

Side projects: Snooki also co-authored three books: A Shore Thing, Confessions of a Guidette and Gorilla Beach. She's now co-starring in the spin-off show Snooki and Jwoww.

Recently becoming a new mom, Snooki posed for the cover of People magazine with her baby Lorenzo. She's also made numerous paid appearances, including a $32,000 gig at Rutgers University where she out-earned Nobel Prize winner -- and fellow author -- Toni Morrisson by $2,000.

Post-Shore career prospects: She's one of the most prolific cast members in terms of branding, with her leopard-printed line of tanning products, slippers, sandals, soda, sunglasses, lipstick and a plush animal called "Crocodilly." Now she's planning to launch a maternity clothing line, says her publicist. Plus, Snooki and Jwoww is heading for a second season next year. Snooki's also working on a record label.

NEXT: Paul 'Pauly D' DelVecchio