Skill career

A Skill career is a kind of career that was introduced in The Sims 3: Ambitions expansion pack.

"We’ve implemented something we call “Skill Careers” so that players who have Sims who are fishermen, inventors, writers, and more can now register as self-employed at City Hall. We’ve added the consignment store venue in town so that players who create things like paintings or find things like jewels can earn a profit and take advantage of their Sims’ entrepreneurial spirits."

Skill careers work the same way as ordinary careers except that Sims are registered as "self-employed" and promotions are linked entirely to money earned. Only skills that produce items - Painting, Sculpting, Fishing, Gardening, Inventing, Writing, Photography and Nectar making - are able to be used in skill careers, with Photography and Nectar making available only if The Sims 3: World Adventures is installed. The Sims 3: Late Night adds a new skill career called band and The Sims 3: Pets adds a new skill career called Horseman(-woman). These careers are also available for teenagers.

The first level of promotion requires sales of approximately §30. Money can be made through sales at the consignment store for most skill careers. However, money earned through the consignment store does not seem to register for Nectar making and Photography.

"'When your sims have knowledge of several of our existing skills, including sculpting and inventing from Ambitions, they can register as being 'self-employed.'"

Registering as Self-Employed
Adult sims with at least one skill level in certain skills can either use the phone or computer (or go directly to city hall) to "Register as Self Employed,". A message box will pop up, informing you that your sim is going to the city hall to do some paperwork. After that is done, your sim has successfully registered as a self—employer.

Advancement
The way for the sim to advance in their career is to earn money by making and selling objects that are related to their career. Obviously, a sim cannot advance by making and selling objects he did not register as, such as a self-employed inventor making sculptures. In the case of a Horseman/woman, they earn money through equestrian competitions at the Equestrian Center.

Sometimes, depending on the career and career level, a sim will receive a uniform for their job. This is not necessary for them to earn money, but it adds a feeling of realism to their employment.

Payment
The only way a self-employed sim can make money is when they sell their creations- as they do not do any work for the community, there is no weekly stipend as with professions. The exception is the writer, who will receive weekly royalties on Sundays at 12pm. Upon a promotion, the sim will also gain some money, again varying on what promotion it is.

Angler
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through selling fish.

Note that only fish count towards an angler's promotion. Objects found by fishing can still be sold but the money earned from the sale will not affect the angler's earnings. The fish must be sold to the supermarket.

Band
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through playing Gigs and playing for tips.

Gardener
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through growing plants.

Note that a gardener doesn't have to grow the produce, just sell it. Because of this, a gardener can easily earn income and promotions by harvesting from their neighbor's garden or community gardens.

Horseman
This skill career is introduced in The Sims 3: Pets. In this career, Sims earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through winning Equestrian Center competitions and selling horses.

Inventor
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through inventions.

Painter
Sims in this skill career earn advancements by selling the paintings they produce on the Artsy Easel.

Note that paintings that are hung up on the wall don't count.

Photographer
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through taking & selling photos.

Sculptor
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through selling their sculptures.

Sculptors may sell their creations right off the stand or through buy mode to receive credit towards promotion. Any object made at the Pedestrian Sculpting Station will count towards promotion. Sculptures can also be moved into the family inventory and sold through the Consignment Store, where the sale price can vary. However, "Ice Sim" sculptures show as §0 in the "Consign Items" interface and are probably worth more sold straight from the station.

Housemates' sculptures do not count towards the sculptor's career experience (neither do the decorations in buy mode).

After selling §25,000 of sculptures (as a self-employed sculptor) the sim may receive a Successful Sculptor's Medal from City Hall (Epic Hero Medal).

Writer
Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through writing novels.

Chapter submission revenue counts towards the money earned and thus promotion.

Career Rewards

 * Author's Honor Trophy: Make §25K from Writing
 * Artist's Painted Ribbon: Make §25K from Painting
 * Gardening Hero's Trophy: Make §25K from Gardening
 * Fabulous Angler Medal: Make §25K from Fishing
 * Successful Sculptor's Medal: Make §25K from Sculpting
 * Photographer's Key to The Town: Make §25K from Photography
 * Nectar Maker's Symbol of Honor: Make §25K from Nectar Making