Full-Time Jobs

The Sims 3 Guide - Life Guide

Full-Time Jobs

Business

Basics: The Business career may sound a bit generic, but in fact, it can be quite addictive to work your way up through the office based environment. It is a cut-throat career to follow, with plenty of sucking-up to bosses and hard work required to advance.

Location: Doo Peas Corporate Towers.

Doo Peas is home to two career-lines.

Levels:

Level 1: Coffee Courier – 800 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Filing Clerk – 1,040 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 3: Report Processor – 1,355 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 4: Corporate Drone – 1,765 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 5: Department Head – 2,650 Simoleons per week – 130 Pension.
Level 6: Division Manager – 3,445 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 7: Vice President – 4,480 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 8: CEO – 5,736 Simoleons per week – 280 Pension.
Level 9: Venture Capitalist – 6,884 Simoleons per week – 330 Pension.
Level 10: Power Broker – 2,841 Simoleons per week – 400 Pension.

Hours:

Levels 1-4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-14:00
Levels 5-7: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-15:00
Level 8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-14:00
Level 9: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-14:00
Level 10: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 08:00-11:00

Take the opportunities when they come up to progress.

Key Skills:

You need a good relationship with bosses and a regular positive mood. No specific skills are necessary to succeed in business.
 
TIP: In the Business career, you are given control over meetings once a certain level is reached. This means you are often forced to spend time outside working hours trying to impress your superiors. Once the Power Broker level is reached, you work hardly any hours, but can schedule meetings for big bucks on top of your weekly wage.

TIP: To improve your relationship with your superiors, try the Suck Up To Boss action while at work; note, however, that this will decrease your relationships with co-workers. If in a good mood, the Power Work action will add much to your chances of earning a promotion – just make sure it doesn't come at the expense of your stress levels or work performance will drop.

Criminal

Basics: This is a fun career for many players of The Sims, especially those with Sims bearing Traits such as Evil. Surprisingly, you can apply for a 'job' as a criminal by answering an advert in the newspaper or indeed on a Computer.

Location: Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp.

Levels:

Level 1: Decoy – 500 Simoleons per week – 30 Pension.
Level 2: Cutpurse – 700 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 3: Thug – 950 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 4: Getaway Driver – 1,200 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 5: Bagman – 1,550 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 6: ConArtist – 1,875 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.

The Criminal Career then splits into two paths, Thief and Evil:

Thief:

Level 1: Safe Cracker – 2,400 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 2: Bank Robber – 2,440 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 3: Cat Burglar – 3,600 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 4: Master Thief – 8,400 Simoleons per week – 400 Pension.

Evil:

Level 1: Henchman – 3,250 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 2: Evil Sidekick – 3,400 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 3: Super Villain – 4,800 Simoleons per week – 230 Pension.
Level 4: Emperor of Evil – 6,300 Simoleons per week – 300 Pension.

There are lots of options for fulfillment in the Criminal career.

Hours:

Levels 1-2: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00-16:00
Levels 3-6: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-03:00

Thief Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-02:00
Thief Level 2: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-02:00
Thief Levels 3-4: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-01:00

Evil Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 21:00-03:00
Evil Level 2: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 21:00-03:00
Evil Level 3: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 21:00-02:00
Evil Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 21:00-02:00

Key Skills:

Criminals need the Athletic skills to acquire promotions. There is also the usual good mood needed on a regular basis.

TIP: The key to succeeding as a criminal is making friends in the industry. Use the Meet Accomplices and Conspire With Accomplices actions while at work to build these relationships and help earn promotions.

TIP: In the Thief branch of the Criminal career, Sims can use the Sneak action. This allows them to enter other Sims' homes without them waking up! If you do get caught however (watch out for burglar alarms!), you do have to go to jail for a period.

TIP: Those who are truly evil (i.e. Emperors of Evil!) will scare off anyone with cowardly traits! This may not be useful, but it's particularly cool.

Culinary

Basics: As well as having an extensive skill-tree relating to Cooking, Sims who love food can adopt a career in this area.

Location: Little Corsican Bistro or Hogan's Deep-Fat Diner.

Pick your favourite of the two eateries for your place of work.

Levels:

Level 1: Kitchen Scullion – 740 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Spice Runner – 950 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 3: Vegetable Slicer – 1,150 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 4: Ingredient Taster – 1,400 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 5: Line Cook – 2,300 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
Level 6: Pastry Chef – 2,950 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 7: Sous Chef – 2,720 Simoleons per week – 130 Pension.
Level 8: Executive Chef – 3,000 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 9: Chef de Cuisine – 3,015 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 10: Five-Star Chef – 4,200 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.

Hours:

Levels 1-4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-21:00
Levels 5-6: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:30
Level 7: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:30
Level 8: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:00
Level 9: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:00
Level 10: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-19:00

Key Skills:

As you might expect, improving your Sim's cooking skill is the main goal of this career. Bear in mind that you can do it while working, using the Practice Cooking action.

Sims can use Practice Cooking to level up the Cooking Skill while at work.

TIP: From Level 4 onwards Sims can bring home food from work. It's usually pretty good, so will be appreciated by everyone in the household.

TIP: Level 7 and over Sims get a discount on eating at the restaurants.

TIP: Level 10 Culinary Sims receive the Master Chef Fridge, which provides superb ingredients and is pretty much the best piece of kit a kitchen can have.

Journalism

Basics: Like the culinary career path, Sims hoping to become journalists also frequently practice in their spare time and have honed their creative skills using a Computer.

Location: Doo Peas Corporate Towers.

Levels:

Level 1: Paper Boy – 1,125 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 2: Automated Spell-Checker Checker – 1,295 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 3: Freelance Writer – 1,490 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 4: Professional Blogger – 1,505 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 5: Anonymous Source Handler – 2,410 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 6: Investigative Reporter – 2,508 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 7: Weather Man – 3,012 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 8: Lead Reporter – 3,768 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 9: Editor-In-Chief – 4,712 Simoleons per week – 230 Pension.
Level 10: Star News Anchor – 6,128 Simoleons per week – 300 Pension.

Hours:

Levels 1-3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-14:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-12:00
Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-13:00
Levels 6-9: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-13:00
Level 10: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-12:00

Sims in the Journalism career need to interview fellow Sims and write news reports on them – try to get the interviewee on side first with some flattery.

Key Skills:

Both Writing and Charisma are important skills for earning promotions as a journalist. Sims can use the Practice Writing action while at work to level up the Writing skill as they go.

TIP: Sims in the Journalism career must write articles and reviews on their computer at home – outside of work hours! This is required for promotions, and requires interviewing Sims around Sunset Valley or attending certain events for reviews.

TIP: At Level 10 your Sim can brag about a news story in conversation.

Law Enforcement

Basics: The antithesis of the Criminal career, the Law Enforcement occupation is one for good-hearted and brave Sims, seeking to make a difference (a positive one) in Sunset Valley.

Location: Sunset Valley Police Department.

Levels:

Level 1: Snitch – 1,175 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 2: Desk Jockey – 1,390 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 3: Traffic Cop – 1,645 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 4: Patrol Officer – 1,945 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 5: Lieutenant – 2,300 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.

The Law Enforcement Career then splits into two paths, Forensics and Special Agent:

Forensics:

Level 1: Wiretap Reader – 4,025 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 2: Crime Scene Technician – 4,750 Simoleons per week – 230 Pension.
Level 3: Sketch Artist – 4,484 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 4: 3D Crime Scene Modeller – 5.292 Simoleons per week – 260 Pension.
Level 5: DNA Suspect Reconstruction Simulator – 7,940 Simoleons per week – 380 Pension.

Special Agent:

Level 1: Vice Squad – 2,760 Simoleons – 140 Pension.
Level 2: Undercover Specialist – 3,260 Simoleons – 160 Pension.
Level 3: Special Agent – 3,858 Simoleons per week – 190 Pension.
Level 4: Triple Agent – 4,544 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 5: International Super Spy – 6,816 Simoleons per week – 330 Pension.

The life of a cop can be very rewarding.

Key Skills:

You need the Logic skill as a given, but once the career splits in two you require either the Painting skill (for Forensics) or the Athletic skill (for Special Agent) in order to seriously progress.

TIP: Sims at Level 3 in the overall Law Enforcement career can catch burglars.

TIP: Earlier on in the career you need to build a strong relationship with your partner on the beat. Use the Chat With Partner action to accomplish this.

TIP: Law Enforcement Sims can search through other Sims' rubbish to gather information. They can also interview other Sims with the same result.

TIP: Special Agents can use the Raid Warehouse action to search the Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp. (at Level 5) to earn some money and kudos on the side, while Forensic Sims get their own Laptop and can use the Run Analysis action to earn some cash too.

Medical

Basics: Busy, stressful, but making a huge difference to the lives of everyone in Sunset Valley, those willing to follow medicine will have to devote their life to the profession – the rewards are there to be had, however.

Location: Sacred Spleen Memorial Hospital.

Levels:

Level 1: Organ Donor – 640 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Bed Pan Cleaner – 750 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 3: Paramedic – 950 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 4: Medical Intern – 1,650 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 5: Resident – 3,500 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 6: Trauma Surgeon – 4,050 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 7: Gene Therapist – 3,840 Simoleons per week – 190 Pension.
Level 8: Infectious Disease Researcher – 4,200 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 9: Neurosurgeon – 7,200 Simoleons per week – 350 Pension.
Level 10: Deadly Disease Specialist – 9,600 Simoleons per week – 460 Pension.

Hours:

Levels 1-2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-15:00
Level 3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-15:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-19:00
Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-18:00
Level 6: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 19:00-03:00
Levels 7-8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:00
Level 9: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-17:00
Level 10: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:00

Sometimes you are given books to read in order to get a promotion at work or to impress the boss.

Key Skills:

Logic is key for Medical Sims, but equally important is keeping stress down despite the long hours. The Sleep in Ready Room and Watch TV in Ready Room actions can both help your Sim relax at work.

TIP: From Level 4 onwards your Sim has a pager and can be called into work at any time. It's a very stressful career, but the final rewards are huge.

TIP: At Level 10, you get the Play Golf action, which actually lets your Sim have fun while at work!

Military

Basics: While not as rigorous as life in the army outside of The Sims, working in the Military career line requires fitness and skill at mechanics.

Location: Fort Gnome Military Base.

Levels:

Level 1: Latrine Cleaner – 1,120 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 2: Grease Monkey – 1,400 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 3: Grunt – 1,540 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
Level 4: Squad Leader – 1,965 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 5: Flight Officer – 2,262 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 6: Wing Man – 2,604 Simoleons per week – 190 Pension.
Level 7: Fighter Pilot – 2,997 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 8: Squadron Leader – 3,447 Simoleons per week – 250 Pension.
Level 9: Top Gun – 3,966 Simoleons per week – 290 Pension.
Level 10: Astronaut – 6,000 Simoleons per week – 430 Pension.

Hours:

Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-14:00
Levels 2-3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-15:00
Levels 4-5: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-14:00
Levels 6-8: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-13:00
Level 9: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-13:00
Level 10: Monday, 07:00-01:00 (18 hours!)

The military base can be an exciting place.

Key Skills:

Sims need the Athletic and Handiness skills to move through the Military ranks.

TIP: At the highest levels of the Military career random Sims will salute you around the town.

TIP: Show Sim the Jet and Show Sim the Spaceship actions unlock along the way, which allow your Sim to impress dates.

Music

Basics: One of many artistic careers in The Sims 3, the life of a professional musician involves working in a structured environment, as opposed to the busking and house-parties of a hobbyist.

Location: Wilsonoff Community Theater.

Levels:

Level 1: Fan – 625 Simoleons per week – 30 Pension.
Level 2: Roadie – 740 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 3: Stagehand – 875 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 4: Band Manager – 1,315 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 5: Music Talent Scout – 1,244 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.

The Music Career then splits into two paths, Rock and Symphony:

Rock:

Level 1: Lyricist – 1,932 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 2: Backup Vocalist – 2,512 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 3: Lead Guitarist – 2,451 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 4: Pop Icon – 3,432 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 5: Rock Star – None – 350 Pension.

Symphony:

Level 1: Quartet Member – 1,868 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 2: Orchestra Seat – 2,432 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 3: Orchestra Lead – 3,164 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 4: Conductor – 4,116 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 5: Hit Movie Composer – 7,204 Simoleons per week – 350 Pension.

Join the music career at the theatre.

Hours:

Levels 1-2: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-21:00
Level 3: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 16:00-22:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 16:00-21:30
Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 17:00-22:30

Rock Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 18:00-23:00
Rock Level 2: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 19:00-24:00
Rock Level 3: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 20:00-00:30
Rock Level 4: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 21:00-01:00
Rock Level 5: None

Symphony Levels 1-3: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-20:30
Symphony Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-20:00
Symphony Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 13:00-18:00

You need to make sure your Sim is decent at the Guitar skill before trying to make it as a musician, for fairly obvious reasons. In the Symphonic branch you also need to level up your Logic skill to progress. You can use the Study Music Theory action while at work to improve both of these.

TIP: Once you embark on the Rock branch you can hold concerts at the theatre and stadium (when you interact with it). Use the Practice Performance action while at work to prepare in advance and make the performance go better.

TIP: As a Rock Star, Sims don't have to work if they don't want to. Holding concerts and autograph sessions is the chief money-making asset here.

TIP: Symphonic-branch Sims get a new stereo for the house at Level 5, as well as free entry to the theatre at Level 3.

Politics

Basics: The main skill involved in politics is Charisma. Convincing other Sims of your own ability to lead is integral in advancing through the political ranks. Some don't like politicians, and it will be your duty to drum up support ahead of important campaigns.

Location: Sunset Valley City Hall.

Levels:

Level 1: Podium Polisher – 700 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Ballot Counter – 925 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 3: Campaign Intern – 1,150 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 4: Yes-Man – 1,350 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 5: City Council Member – 1,875 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 6: Local Representative – 2,000 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 7: Mayor – 2,600 Simoleons per week – 130Pension.
Level 8: Governor – 3,200 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 9: Vice President – 3,600 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 10: Leader of the Free World – 5,700 Simoleons per week – 280 Pension.

Hours:

Levels 1-2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-15:00
Level 3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-16:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-15:00
Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:30
Level 6: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:30
Levels 7-8: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 09:00-14:00
Levels 9-10: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 09:00-13:30

Charisma is the key skill of the politician.

Key Skills:

Politicians need Charisma as well as plenty of energy with all the campaigning that takes place.

TIP: Be sure to use the Ask For Campaign Donation once at Level 5 in order to gain future promotions. You can also throw campaign parties to get donations too.

TIP: At certain points throughout the career you will be offered the chance to take a bribe or be corrupt. If you are caught then your career as a politician is over.

TIP: At the highest level, other Sims are inspired and will wave at you if they spot you.

Professional Sports

Basics: For Sims well versed or interested in developing the Athletics skill, a career in Professional Sports is the best bet. A legion of adoring fans is just one of the perks for those who succeed in this career.

Location: Llama Memorial Stadium.

Levels:

Level 1: Rabid Fan – 375 Simoleons per week – 30 Pension.
Level 2: Snack Hawker – 750 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 3: Toddler Sports Coach – 975 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 4: Minor Leaguer – 1,016 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 5: Rookie – 1,524 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
Level 6: Starter – 2,668 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 7: AllStar – 3,204 Simoleons per week – 230Pension.
Level 8: MVP – 3,838 Simoleons per week – 280 Pension.
Level 9: Superstar – 4,620 Simoleons per week – 330 Pension.
Level 10: Sports Legend – 5,544 Simoleons per week – 400 Pension.

As well as concerts and sports matches, you can start a career in Professional Sports via the Llama Memorial Stadium.

Hours:

Levels 1-3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 15:00-21:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-21:00
Levels 5-6: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-20:00
Levels 7-8: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-19:00
Levels 9-10: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-18:00

Key Skills:

The Athletic skill is obviously the main one here. Sims can use the Work Out In Gym action to improve it while they are at work.

TIP: At Level 5 Sims start playing matches in their sport and must maintain a decent win-loss record to get future promotions. Improving the Athletic skill and using the Prepare For Game action both increase the chance of winning.

TIP: At Level 10 Sims can hold autograph and sponsorship sessions for some cash on the side.

Science

Basics: Up there with the Medicine career for real intellectuals, the Science career is a more structured alternative. As a result however, the rewards are not so great.

Location: Langraab Industries Science Facilities

Levels:

Level 1: Test Subject – 1,200 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 2: Lab Tech – 1,440 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 3: Useless Contraption Manipulator – 1,730 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 4: Fertilizer Analyst – 1,940 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 5: Carnivorous Plant Tender – 2,328 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 6: Aquatic Ecosystem Tweaker – 2,796 Simoleons per week – 140 Pension.
Level 7: Genetic Resequencer – 3,356 Simoleons per week – 160Pension.
Level 8: Top Secret Researcher – 4,028 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 9: Creature-Robot Cross Breeder – 3,627 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 10: Mad Scientist – 5,442 Simoleons per week – 260 Pension.

Hours:

Levels 1-3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:30
Level 4-6: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:00
Levels 7-8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-13:30
Levels 9-10: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 09:00-13:30

Langraab Industries is the place to go for the science career.

Key Skills:

Surprisingly, the Gardening, Handiness and Fishing skills (the latter two come later, however) are required to reach the top of the Science career.

TIP: Use the Do Independent Experiment action to help get promotions as quickly as possible.

TIP: At Level 10, Sims can use the Do Science action on objects. This works like upgrading an item through Handiness (though with different results), and can have positive or negative effects depending on the action's success.