Career Choices for Simmies

Sometimes my simmies have career related LTWs...other times, it's up to me to decide what career they go into. How do I do this? Several ways:

1. Look at the wants panel. Sometimes they'll roll a want for a specific career. If so, then I chose from one of those and they take the first one available and the one that fits their personality and lifestyle.
2. Look at a combination of personality, aspirations, interests and hobbies-which is what this post will talk about. Of course the usual, feel free to borrow/steal/use these in your game and tweak for your own hood.

Usually by the time my sims are teens, I will start thinking about their career and what they want to persue as their career. Here's the list that I use to think about which careers would work for each sim. It is not necessary for a sim to have EVERYTHING listed, but it's more like a score. The more qualities a sim has for that career, then the better suited that sim is for that career.

Athletic
-Personality = Active, Outgoing
-Aspiration=Fortune, Popularity
-Interests = Sports,
-Hobbies  = Sports, Fitness
-Traits = n/a

Business
-Personality = Serious, Outgoing
-Aspiration=Fortune, Family
-Interests  = Money, Work
-Hobbies = n/a
-Traits = workaholic

Criminal
-Personality= Active, Mean
-Aspiration =Fortune
-Interests = Crime, Money
-Hobbies = Fitness
-Traits = brave, rebellious

Culinary
-Personality = n/a
-Aspiration = Popularity, Grilled Cheese
-Interests = Food
-Hobbies = Culinary
-Traits = food addict,

Law Enforcement
-Personality = Active, Serious
-Aspiration = Family
-Interests = Crime
-Hobbies = Fitness, Sports
-Traits = brave

Medicine
-Personality = Serious, Neat
-Aspiration =Fortune, Knowledge
-Interests = Health
-Hobbies = Fitness
-Traits = n/a

Military
-Personality = Active
-Aspiration = Popularity
-Interests = Work
-Hobbies = Fitness, Sports
-Traits = brave, disciplined

Politics
-Personality = Outgoing, Serious
-Aspiration =Fortune, Popularity
-Interests = Politics
-Hobbies = n/a
-Traitsu = activist

Science
-Personality = Neat, Serious
-Aspiration =Knowledge
-Interests = Animals, Environment, Weather
-Hobbies = Science, Tinkering, Nature
-Traits = eco-friendly

Slacker
-Personality = Outgoing, Playful
-Aspiration =Pleasure
-Interests = Travel, Toys
-Hobbies = Film & Literature, Games
-Traits = rebellious

Artist
-Personality = n/a
-Aspiration = Pleasure, Family
-Interests = Culture, Entertainment, Fashion
-Hobbies = Arts & Crafts
-Traits = n/a

Natural Science
-Personality = Neat, Serious
-Aspiration =Knowledge
-Interests = Animals, Environment,Weather
-Hobbies = Science, Tinkering, Nature
-Traits = eco-friendly

Show Business
-Personality = Outgoing, Active
-Aspiration =Fortune, Popularity,
-Interests = Culture, Entertainment, Fashion
-Hobbies = Film & Literature
-Traits = trendy

Paranormal
-Personality = Neat
-Aspiration =Knowledge
-Interests = Paranormal, Sci-Fi
-Hobbies = Science, Tinkering
-Traits = brave

Adventurer
-Personality = Active
-Aspiration = Popularity
-Interests = Culture, Weather
-Hobbies = Fitness, Sports
-Traits = brave, adventurous

Education
-Personality = Outgoing
-Aspiration =Knowledge, Family
-Interests = School, Toys
-Hobbies = Science
-Traits = patient

Gamer
-Personality = Playful
-Aspiration = Pleasure
-Interests = Toys
-Hobbies = Games
-Traits = rebellious

Journalism
-Personality = Outgoing
-Aspiration = Popularity
-Interests = Travel, Weather, Work
-Hobbies = Film & Literature
-Traits = n/a

Law
-Personality = Outgoing, Serious
-Aspiration =Popularity
-Interests = Crime
-Hobbies = Film & Literature
-Traits = n/a

Music
-Personality = Outgoing
-Aspiration = Popularity
-Interests = Culture, Entertainment, Fashion
-Hobbies = Music & Dance
-Traits = n/a

Architecture
-Personality = Serious
-Aspiration =Knowledge
-Interests = Environment
-Hobbies = Arts & Crafts, Tinkering
-Traits = n/a

Dance
-Personality = Active
-Aspiration = Popularity
-Interests = Culture, Entertainment
-Hobbies = Fitness, Sports, Music & Dance
-Traits = n/a

Entertainment
-Personality = Active, Outgoing
-Aspiration =Fortune, Popularity
-Interests  = Culture, Entertainment
-Hobbies  = Music & Dance, Film & Literature
-Traits = n/a

Intelligence
-Personality = Neat
-Aspiration =Knowledge
-Interests = Work, Travel
-Hobbies = Film & Literature, Tinkering, Science
-Traits = brave

Oceanography
-Personality = Active, Serious
-Aspiration =Knowledge
-Interests =Animals, Environment, Weather
-Hobbies = Fitness, Nature, Science
-Traits = eco-friendly

Let's use Si'Enya Warwick for this example. Her OTH is nature, aspiration is popularity and her traits are insecure, trendy and perpetual bachelorette. Personality: Neat 5; Outgoing 3; Active 7; Playful 3; Nice 7. Topic three interests: Environment=10; Weather=10; Animals=9

So we're looking for a career that needs a sim with an Active, Nice, Shy and Serious personality, that loves the environment, weather and animals; persues popularity and their OTH is nature. Which is actually strange that Si'Enya is popularity, she is better suited for Knowledge. I may have assigned her aspiration back when I was looking at the surrounding family members to pick aspirations. Ok, let's fix that.

So NOW we're looking for a career that needs a sim with an Active, Nice, Shy and Serious personality, that loves the environment, weather and animals; persues knowledge and their OTH is nature. Whew, makes more sense. Now it's time to start narrowing down the careers. We're going to narrow it down by Personality, Aspiration, Interests, OTH and traits (if applicable). You will see that you get a different list depending on how you narrow it down.

By narrowing the careers down according to aspirations we get:
Medicine

Science

Natural Science

Paranormal

Education

Architecture

Intelligence

Oceanography

By narrowing the careers based on OTH we get:
Science

Natural Science

Oceanography


By narrowing the careers down according to interests we get:
Oceanography

Architecture

Natural Science

Science


[one match only]

Journalism

Adventurer


By narrowing the careers based on personality we get:
Law Enforcement

Oceanography


[one match only]

Military

Athletic

Business

Criminal

Medicine

Science

Natural Science

Show Business

Adventurer

Architecture

Dance

By looking at all the lists we get a few career choices that stand out for Si'Enya

• Oceanography
• Natural Science
• Science

This is where it get's interesting and you have to get your creative juices stirring, let's look at Si'Enya's life so far. She's been hard at work trying to complete her bug collection and she has worked two summers as a camp counselor leading nature trails. We also have to look at the career caps (currently 2 playable sims per career with few exceptions)-thankfully all three careers are open.  We can eliminate oceanography as Si'Enya hasn't shown an interest in marine life during her teen years.

"I know what I want to do!"

"Excuse me, Si'Enya, you're interupting the process."

"Isn't this process about me?"

"Well...yea..."

"So shouldn't I have an opinion?"

"Um...ok...?"

"I would like to be a project leader."

"What?"

""I would like to lead researchers and students in entomology studies concerning the effects of the changing environment on our insect population and how the changes in insect population effect our environment. It's a very serious issue you know, why do you think I've been trying to catalog the insect species in Apple Valley?"

"Ugh...I thought you were collecting them."

"No and can you believe that I can't find the Paratrooper Spider, they used to be abudant in this environment, but I can't find it. Don't you think it has something to do with the changing environment?"

"Umm, yea...sure."

Well, it looks like Si'Enya has chosen the science career. Looks like a good choice.
If you perfer to have someone else do the work for you, then try Simmerville's Career Planner. You answer a series of questions for your sim and they provide a list of recommendations based on skill level, personality and family situation. I don't think they have the free-time career tracks added to the database.

Education Note: County Council Education Plans 2005-2009

Johan Dawson Shazad

I have been "elected" to another term, as such I need to establish my plans for the term.

• Ensure a quality education system for residents
  Currently we have a combined primary and secondary school as well as a local university and options for advanced degrees and associate's degrees.
  
  Our curriculm is updated and featured in-depth in several notes.
  
  Students that desire to explore the option of technical or trades school are encouraged to attend WilTech located in Simmington Hills.
• Manage the primary and secondary school and curriculmWith the projected bump in population, it is becoming more obvious that we will need to establish two seperate campuses, one for the primary students and the other for the secondary students.
  
  The seperate campus will be built by simyear 2009 to accomadate the increased enrollment. In addition we will need to hire another secondary teacher.
  
  The part-time arts and physical education teachers will have to commute bewteen the two campuses. With the additional campus, the option of hiring the part-time teachers as full time teachers is recommended.
• Manage the university and curriculm.Pierce University is undergoing renovations in order to expand the arena for graduations, update the classrooms and increase the dorm space
  
  Phase One-2006:
  Additional dorm space to increase from six sims to twelve sims built in the standard style of double and single rooms that share a common bathroom and common living areas. The dorms will be complete by Fall 2006.
  
  Expanded space for graduations. The construction plans will increase seating from twelve sims to twenty sims and will serve as the graduation site for all county graduations including associate's degree, bachelor's degree and advanced degrees. This is currently underway and is expected to be complete by Winter 2006.
  
  Phase Two-2007-2008: Renovated classrooms that will feature state-of-the-art equiptment. Due to current donations we will start with the fine arts classroom while we work to raise donations for the other buildings.
  
  Phase Three-2008: Renovated green space that allow plenty of room for students to rest and relax bewteen classes.

In-Active Resident Database

The Frankson Family

Jasmine and Harris fell in love early on and had a son, Erricson, followed years later by Gerald and Albert. Jasmine is a teacher at Apple Valley Academy and Harris works with the SCIA. The family is currently hosting a foster child, Nicholas.

The Mendenhall Family

Joey (Dawson) and Giselle are former active residents of Apple Valley. The couple has four children, twins Harriet and Henry, Elphy and youngest, Rex. Joey and Giselle work with Giselle's younger brother, Grex Grey, on his farm and market.

Erika Moore

Erika owns a interior design company and recently moved to Apple Valley from Pahala Shore. She has a reputation as a maneater which she blissfully relishes in.

Donna O'Dale

Donna works at the Veronika Kent Medical Centre and is in charge of pediatrics. She recently moved to Apple Valley from Pahala Shore.

The Smith Family

Cameron and Gavin married a few years ago and quickly added twins Owen and Maisie to their family as well as a large dog, Puggles. Cameron has two sons, Christopher and Craig, from a previous relationship with Tobi Sweeny.

The Thorn Family

Krissy and Alphonso met online and after simlonic months of being "just friends" they took their relationship to another level. They have a son Claudio and are planning their wedding. Krissy is a high school teacher at Apple Valley Academy and Alphonso is an artist whose works are shown in the Herendez Art Gallery.

Approaching, 2006

Patar, summer, 2006

Brandon is 28 and Ilila is 27

Summer meant another intensive round of boot camp for the ROTC recruits. Thankfully, Brandon's budget was increased and he was able to hire a drill instructor. Stephen Liew came from Pahala Shore, his girlfriend, Nailah Harris, was lucky enough to find a position as an intern with Stern and Clerks while she finished law school.

Brandon was able to learn all this from chatting with the young man, who was close to his age in fact. Brandon didn't mind knowing the personal details of the recruits' lives, it helped him to connect with his troops and provide morale when needed. Try as he might, Brandon was not the over the top in your face leader, but he could morph into one when necessary.

He stayed around for a bit to observe Sgt. Liew in action with the ROTC teams. Today, the top tier team, Pvt Herendez and Pvt Barchlet were scaling the wall. Brandon knew that the duo had the potential to make it to the top, if they didn't let their relationship get in the way. Unofficially, it was frowned upon for recruits to get involved with each other, however the two privates didn't allow their relationship to get in the way of training and unless you had eyes and ears everywhere, like Brandon did, then you wouldn't have known that they were dating. He knew that it was serious when Pvt Herendez approached him with the request for a new teammate to avoid conflict of interest. Brandon admired the young man for his honesty and promised to think about it.

Brandon had a lot to think about. His new position as Security Director for the County meant that he was often spending hours in his office, planning military tatics and chatting with other base commanders, including his brother, Bruce, stationed in Simmington Hills. Bruce and his wife, Greta, were still settling into the hood, but from what Brandon could tell, they loved the place.

He sighed as he looked at Pvt. Herendez's file. The young man was having trouble concentrating in university and Brandon feared that he would be kicked out soon. His grades were decent, but the motivation wasn't there. If Pvt. Herendez wanted to be an officer with the military, he would at least need to obtain his associate's degree, which meant only one more simyear of school.

In the summer, Ilila would sometimes arrive to pick him up after hours to make sure that he made it home safetly...or that's what she said.

Sometimes they didn't make it home until much later, which was a delight. The couple had finally decided to start trying for a baby, they felt that now was a good time to expand their family. No news yet, but they had just started.

"I can handle dinner, you don't have to stand over me." Brandon sighed.

"I know, but I think your choice of seasonings is interesting."

"I have this weekend off..."

"That's great. Are you going to relax at home?"

"I was thinking that we can go to a nice cabin for the weekend."

"Really?"

"Really."

The trip would be much welcomed as the couple had recently become so busy. Brandon was busy studying for his advanced degree. The military wanted him to be a general, like his brother Bruce, but Brandon lacked the credientials necessary in Apple Valley for the position.

Ilila also was studying, Johan had approached her about becoming a principal one simday in the future. She would need some additional skills and was enrolled in summer courses to gain those skills.

The weekend trip was "over before it began" as Ilila liked to say.

They enjoyed the few days of dancing by the fire,

or getting toes stepped on by the fire,

and being pampered,

but the approaching blizzard cut the vacation a day short.

They used their extra day to spend time at the Apple Festival enjoying the booths,

delicious coffee

and great performances.

Ilila even entered one of the cooking contests, however if she had known that longtime champion and new found friend, Ginger Grey was also entering the contest, perhaps she would have entered something besides a chunky chef salad.

How can salad stand up to Ginger's famous Lamb Roast. Just the smell of it was causing her stomach to growl. Even Ginger was bragging about her last winning recipe.

Next time she was entering a dish that had at least spent time in the oven and maybe then the defeat wouldn't be so harsh.

Montalcino

Montalcino Vineyard and Resort is located several hours from Apple County.

The lower level features a world class resturaunt, on site market and breathtaking courtyard.

The upper level features several rooms that overlook the surrounding vineyards.

Guests are greeted with the vineyard's onsite market with local postcards and posters

as well as tables heavy with the freshest produce, milk, seafood and eggs delivered by local farmers each day.

The world class resturaunt boasts of an extensive nectar bar with vintages from the TS1 era

fresh nectar tasting stations for guests to sample the nectar of the day under the guidance of the host. After tasting such nectars, guests are welcome to view the process of nectar making and even try their hand at stomping the tender grapes to coax thier sweet juice out.

The resturaunt consistently serves delicious food that utilizes fresh herbs from the vineyard garden.

The chef prides herself on maintaining a fully stocked kitchen and offers cooking classes to vineyard guests. Guests can learn how to cook nectar crepes, chicken with black figs and lavendar, or even fresh basil salad.

The resort is one of the best, it has superb service that anticipates guests' every need including books from local author Elaine Mautneryia, customized tours of the surrounding area and a comfortable ride to the local airport.

The resort features clean and comfortable rooms that feature en-suite dining

or smaller rooms that adequately service your sleeping needs

and the spacious suite, also known as the Montalcino Suite

with private balcony dripping with plants that overlooks the vineyards. This suite is reserved months in advance.

When guests are not enjoying their lavish accomadations, they can be found in the breathtaking courtyard listening to the local radio.

The courtyard is complete with an area for weddings

and lavishly catered receptions

a space to relax in the hot tub

and plenty of seating areas and gaming tables shaded with hanging plants and grapevines heavy with fruit.

The courtyard is the jewel of the vineyard and resort.
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Bringing Home Baby Lovar 2006

Lovar, spring, 2006

Bradford was clearing the table, when he got his first clue that tonight he might be a new father.

"Are you ok?"

Suzanna nodded and gripped her belly. "They're coming faster than I thought,"

"I'll get Julio."

"You don't look so good..." Laci said staring.

"I think the baby is about to come soon."

"Oh! Can I help?"

"Yes, if you can keep the babies entertained in thier room so they don't cry, that would be a big help."

"Ok,"

A few hours later, Suzanna delivered a healthy baby girl. After taking a shower, the woman was ready to greet the small group of visitors-mainly her brother and sister-in-law, who came to deliver meals and congratulations.

"Here's little Lesia," she said holding the child out for inspection. She had black hair and bright brown eyes like her sisters.

After the group left, Suzanna was beyond tired.

"I love my girls," Bradford said tucking Lesia into the crib.

"Me too,"

"But I think we might be done."

"I couldn't agree more."

---

These two are both going on birth control, hopefully they won't try for any more kids...but if they do, then perhaps they know better than I do. I think four little girls is enough, but I also thought three little girls was perfect until they changed my mind. This will be a very interesting household once the girls reach teenhood. Bradford might have to look at building another bathroom and taking frequent trips with Jesse and Jeremy for some much needed testosterone.