Self-employment

Self-Employment has existed since the Sims 1, when Sims could sculpt and paint using skill objects, or (with Unleashed) plant garden vegetables and sell their paintings, sculptures, and produce for money. Self-employment for a Sim, means using the Sim's skills and abilities to earn money. A Sim need not join a career track to earn money, though Sims 3 made it possible to register as self-employed, joining a skill career in the process, and earn even more money and track progress in the field.

Sims 2
In Sims 2, Sims are able to paint, sculpt, garden, and play music for tips. The Sims 2: Open for Business expanded this into retail careers, fishing, hair-styling, toy-making, and flower-arranging. Progress in Sims 2 Open for Business self-employment skills is tracked by Skill badges.