I also play rotationally – meaning I play the entire neighborhood starting with one family and cycling through them all in rotations. Otherwise, whatever happens in their lives is totally up to them. I only direct my Sims to do things that they have a want for or to take care of their basic needs and keep them alive. I let my Sims fail, and many will not rise to the top of their careers or achieve their lifetime aspiration – just like in the real world. The Hopes & Fears Mod and Personality Mod are NECESSARY for this play style. They must “want” to do these things by getting a whim for them or doing them autonomously.
This means I don’t force my Sims to do things like work on their careers, build skills, or pursue relationships.
