Homer Simpson is one of television's most famous animated father figures. The Simpsons has entered its 34th season, and over the years, the funny sitcom dad has tried his hand at many professions. Other than his regular job at the power plant, he has dabbled in various occupations, from sugar salesman and bartender to baseball mascot and football coach.
While Homer hasn't always performed well in his work, some of his jobs have led him on great adventures. The nuclear safety inspector in sector 7G has trialed several industries and has much more work experience than some viewers realize. However, only a few of Homer's previous occupations deserve recognition.
10 Homer And Abe Sold Simpson And Son's Revitalizing Tonic
In the Season 6 episode "Grandpa vs. Sexual Inadequacy," Homer goes into business with his father. Abe mixed a concoction that, as he described it, is an "energizing, moisturizing, tantalizing, romanticizing, surprising, revitalizing tonic." The love drink is also referred to as a "magnificent medicinal miracle" and it became very popular with the local adults.
As a result, Homer and Abe bottled the elixir and went on the road together. However, the pair's reputation wasn't the same as it was in Springfield, and many potential customers believed it was a hoax. Instead of persevering, the two reminisced on Homer's upbringing, which led to a few disagreements. Despite the lack of success beyond their hometown, the business venture is a memorable one and Homer working alongside his father is a rare sight.
9 Homer Was Once A Krusty Impersonator
When Krusty was low on cash because of his gambling habits, he took his accountant's advice and opened a clown college. The advertisement stayed in Homer's mind, and the protagonist decided to become a Krusty the Clown impersonator. Although his enthusiasm was high, Homer quickly realized that being a kid's entertainer isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Despite this, everyone in Springfield was convinced that Homer was the real Krusty, and he reaped the benefits of being a celebrity. However, because of some unsettled debt with the mafia, this ruse got Homer into some trouble. Although buffoonery is something Homer has a talent for, it's clear that looking like Krusty isn't always a good thing.
8 Homer Most Enjoyed Being A Pin Monkey
Before Maggie was born, Homer quit his job at the nuclear power plant when he received a paycheck and was able to clear all of his debt. He then searched for a better job so he could enjoy going to work. Homer wound up at the Bowlarama and got his dream job as a pin monkey.
During his time at the bowling alley, Homer claimed he "was in heaven." Although he earned a lower salary, Homer liked the work and was greatly appreciated by his colleagues. He made enough money to sustain four people, but when Maggie came along, Homer put his family before work and returned to his old job. There's no doubt that Homer's career as a pin monkey was the job he most enjoyed.
7 Food Critic Was Homer's Most Idyllic Job
In Season 11, the father of the Simpson family delves into one of his most idyllic professions. When the editor of the Springfield Shopper gives Homer a chance to be a food critic, Lisa helps him to write a good review of a local restaurant. Homer's articles were quickly adored by Springfield citizens and he influenced the town's eating habits with his passion for food.
However, although Homer was the man behind the written work, Lisa was responsible for physically writing the reviews and adding engaging vocabulary. If Homer was able to construct his articles alone, he may have been a successful food critic and found a career where he gets paid to eat.
6 Homer Becomes A Bodyguard After Helping Mark Hamill
In "Mayored To The Mob," the Simpson family visits a sci-fi convention, and Mark Hamill makes a guest appearance. When an angry mob breaks out, Homer saves Hamill and leads Mayor Quimby to safety. After a flawless performance, Homer attends bodyguard academy and starts his new career protecting the Mayor.
Homer took his job very seriously and treated his family as if they were also in need of protection. Being a bodyguard is one of the few jobs that Homer had a knack for, and barging through crowds of people for Mark Hamill is a pretty big claim to fame.
5 Homer Created And Farmed Tomacco
When a southern gentleman accepts Homer's challenge to duel, he skips town with the family. They fled to the farm where Homer was raised in search of a quiet life and became farmers. Homer planted tobacco and tomato seeds, and with a little help from some plutonium, he produced "tomacco."
The word spread and people flocked to the farm to satisfy their cravings for the highly-addictive nicotine-bearing fruit. Homer's job as a farmer was so successful that he received an offer from Laramie cigarette company for $150 million. However, the deal fell through, and the Simpsons returned to an almost empty farm after local animals ate the majority of the crop. Nonetheless, being a tamacco farmer is Homer's most noteworthy job as it almost made him a multimillionaire.
4 Homer Was An Astronaut In "Deep Space Homer"
To generate more interest in space exploration and improve TV ratings, NASA searched for a "blue-collar slob" to send into space alongside Buzz Aldrin. This is when Homer Simpson becomes an astronaut. "Deep Space Homer" has the iconic scene where Homer floats through the spaceship munching on potato chips.
Out of all of the individuals in The Simpsons, Homer is perhaps the least likely character to be chosen to go to space. He received rigorous training in preparation for the journey but he still failed to act professionally once in space. While Homer never really made it as a full-time astronaut, his temporary job was an impressive feat, and his astronomy achievements deserve recognition.
3 Homer Voiced The Cool Character, Poochie
When the Itchy & Scratchy creators seek to add another dynamic to the cartoon, they design a new character. During the auditions for Poochie, Homer's voice was deemed perfect for the cool animated character who became a regular addition to Bart and Lisa's favorite show.
After the dog received a poor reception, the show's ratings dropped, and frequent viewers began to miss the usual violence between the slapstick cat and mouse. While Homer may have had the right amount of attitude to voice Poochie, it wasn't enough to win over fans. Nearly every Simpsons enthusiast will remember Homer's short-lived voice-acting career.
2 Homer Had A Boxing Career
In "The Homer They Fall," the bald protagonist pursues a boxing career. Moe noticed Homer's resistance to pain and became his boxing coach. After a few rounds in the ring, Homer rises to stardom with his ability to avoid getting knocked out, tire out his opponents, and ultimately, do nothing.
Homer's most difficult opponent, Drederick Tatum, is clearly based on the former Heavyweight Champion, Mike Tyson. He has knocked out several opponents in the first round, which, coincidentally, is the number of rounds Homer could withstand against Tatum. When Marge raised concerns over her husband's safety, Moe saved him from being beaten. Had Homer quit while he was ahead, he would have remained undefeated.
1 "Mr. Plow" Is One Of The Simpsons' Most Iconic Episodes
When wintery weather hit Springfield in Season 4, Homer buys a truck and decides to start a snow-plowing company under the name, "Mr. Plow." Shortly after beginning his business venture, Homer realized his main competition was Barney, who bought a larger truck with a much bigger scoop and called himself the "Plow King."
After the two friends battled for customers, Homer's company lost money, despite having a successful start. However, "Mr. Plow" is remembered as one of the most iconic episodes of The Simpsons. Many fans will recall Marge famously requesting Homer to wear his work jacket to bed.