Self-employment

This article describes features that are only available in The Sims 3."

Self-Employment is a new feature that is added with The Sims 3: Ambitions expansion pack. The player can have adult sims with at least one skill level can use the phone to "Register as self employed", then go to the city hall to do some paperwork.

Career

Once the sim has at least one skill level in the following skills: writing, painting,sculpting, inventing, photography, nectar making, gardening and/or fishing, the "Register as self-employed" option becomes available on the phone. The Sim then goes to the city hall to file some paperwork, then they are done! Now to start getting promotions...

Advances

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.

Payment

As well as earning money from their creations, self-employed sims will also get cash weekly with no catches. This amount of money varies with the level and skill the sim has, as well as how many promotions he or she has gained. Upon promotion, the sim will also gain some money, again varying on what promotion it is.

List of Careers

Below lists the careers, promotions, and earnings from all available self-employed professions.

Angler(Fishing)

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Rod and Reel Rookie	Your commercial fishing skills are lacking at this point. Entire schools of fish may laugh at your bait, but you'll be the one laughing when they are on the hook!	N/A	+§30
2	Empty Net Trawler	Large profits may still elude you, but days spent along the coastline aren't wasted. Continue throwing out the bait and you'll catch the big one before long.	None	+§105
3	Hook Baiter	Locals have begun to trust your bait expertise and savvy in and around the water. If only that respect can be channeled into a money-making fishing enterprise!	None	+§605
4	Freshwater Freshman	The freshwater is your domain, but there are big fish to catch in the ocean and exotic baits yet to be discovered. Continue casting away, and one day success will be yours.	None	+§1,605
5	Saltwater Initiate	The ocean has taken a hard look into your soul and accepted you. Respect the waters by catching only what is necessary, and the salty waves will respond in kind.	§500	+§4,105
6	Chub Chucker	Dangerous sharks, predatory fish, and aquatic robots are ready to be reeled in and sold at the market. Continue chasing the big fish and big profits will follow.	§1000	+§11,605
7	Local Ahab	The local board of fishermen have conferred the honorable title of Local Ahab upon your for your fearless aquatic exploits. Don't let them down!	§1500	+§?
8	Deadliest Catcher	There is nothing you cannot catch if you put your mind to it. Money from your catches is flowing in, but the big ones elude you. Just a few more casts to reach the top!	Honor Medal	+§?
9	Old Salty	A reverent hush falls over the water and its banks as you approach for your daily tolls. The ocean has given you a living but your aquatic quest is not yet at an end.	§2500	+116605
10	Legendary Piscator	Fish desire to be caught by you so that their end will come at the hands of such a legend. Grocers look forward to your bountiful catches and locals love to eat your sustainably caught fish. You are a legend!	§5000	+196598

Notes

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.

Gardening

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Cucumber Smasher	Fruits and vegetables tremble in your clumsy hands. Practicing with hands deep in the soil is the only way to lead to higher value produce.	None	+§30
2	Dirt Digger	The dirt is a canvas and you are the artist. As your agricultural venture begins to escalate you must not forget your humble origins in the dirt.	None	+§105
3	Clodhopper	Farming is dirty work that is not for the timid or soft-handed city folk. Continue to survive in the field and profits will follow suit.	None	+§605
4	Master Weeder	Weeds fear your vigilant hands. However, grocers and produce buyers still don't consider you the best in the business. Continue weeding and improve your crops.	None	+§1,605
5	Fertilizer Flinger	Fertilization requires the proper state of mind and sturdy nose plugs. Be sure to fertilize your crops most efficiently to maximize profits and minimize time in the hot sun.	§500	+§4,105
6	Bushwhacker	The modern Bushwhacker is an up and coming farmer with aspirations of reaching the top spot. Only hard work and a successful harvest will take you there.	None	+§11,605
7	Seed Sewer	Often referred to as a fabled and legendary figure from the fertile acreage of Riverview, Seed Sewers have high standards to live up to. Most of all, providing high quality produce to the community.	§1,500	+§26,605
8	Famed Farmer	You've become quite famous amongst regional farmers and grocers for your top quality produce, record-shattering harvests, and innovative farming techniques. Farming becomes much more difficult this close to the top!	None	+§56,605
9	Progeny of the Harvest	Many whisper that you are not just an amazing farmer, but literally a spirit of the earth that can converse with seeds and plants. That may be far fetched, but your imminent success is not!	§2,500	+§116,605
10	Agricultural Mastermind	None question your meteoric rise to the top of the fertile career of farming. Due to your fantastic operations and techniques you are the best farmer in the land.	§5,000	+§196,606

Notes

Note that a garden 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.

The best way to make money for the Gardening career is to harvest and sell money bags from money trees.

Inventing

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Electrocution Victim	Inventing is a difficult profession at first due to the abundant danger with every careless bang of your hammer. Be careful, avoid inventing in puddles, and eventually you'll crawl towards a promotion.	N/A	+§30
2	Nuts and Bolts Combiner	The essence of inventing is picking the right elements to combine to create something amazing. You're starting small, but experimentation will lead you to more exciting components!	None	+§105
3	Duct Tape Rigger	Duct tape is a must-have tool for every inventor. It's good to focus on the fundamentals and work your way upwards in the inventing industry.	None	+§405
4	Whatchamahickey Designer	You're not exactly sure what you're creating, but creating is exactly what you're doing. Money is beginning to flow inwards as your inventions flow outwards.	None	+§1,405
5	Experienced Innovator	Customers have begun to prize your keen sense of innovation and craftiness. Whether it's a new toy, widget, or amazing gadget, people know they can depend on you for quality.	§500	+§3,905
6	Hosebeast	Rarrrr! Your wily inventions have garnered you a place in scientific circles as well as newspaper headlines. What people don't understand they sometimes fear, but continue to invent and success will be yours.	None	+§5,000
7	Father of Local Ingenuity	Whenever the shout of "Eureka!" emerges from your profitable workshop nobody doubts the quality of the creation. Your stock is raising - don't let folks down!	§1,500	+§10,000
8	Feared Techie	Some have called you a mad scientist, but madness is child's play compared to the creations of your current inventing venture. Stick to your workbench and show them what you're capable of.	None	+§25,000
9	Robotics Dealer	Robotics are merely the top tier of what your enterprise offers. Customers consider you the only stop for gadgets and gizmos, making your inventing enterprise close to number one!	§2,500	+§45,000
10	Fourth Dimensional Architect	Your inventions are the best available and three dimensions were no longer enough to quench your creative thirst. Your inventing enterprise is the best around, which makes you a world class inventor.	§5,000	+§60,001

Painting

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Reward	§ to Next Level
1	Paint Splasher	While most see the canvas as a blank slate full of possibilities, you tend to gob and splash with the subtlety of a child. Nevertheless, the only place to go from here is up!	N/A	§50
2	Canvas Cretin	Fewer easels are filing complaints about your paintbrush antics, which means you're improving and others are beginning to notice!	None	§75
3	Finger Painter	Before you can truly master the brush, you must begin with man's first artistic tool - the hand. While lovingly smearing your creations about, remember that improvement comes with practice.	None	§250
4	Paintbrush Patsy	Local artists have notice your enthusiasm and talent and are beginning to value your presence on the artistic stage. Continue to paint with fervor and you shall soon join their ranks.	None	§750
5	Avant Garde Poseur	It's one thing to be creating "the" next best thing and another entirely to think you are doing so. You may not be the genuine article, but your hard work is paying off.	§500	§1,000
6	Art Gallery Rookie	Local art galleries have begun displaying your works, though with apprehension. Continue to refine your craft to alleviate their fears and become the best.	None	§2,500
7	Illustrious Illustrator	Few now doubt your talent, but many are curious just how far you will go. You must ask if it is enough to be merely great, or if only legendary status will suffice?	§1,500	§5,000
8	Prestigious Painter	It is rare an introduction is made about you that isn't followed by a long list from your famous body of works. Verbose introductions shouldn't be enough in your quest for greatness!	None	§10,000
9	Acrylic Ace	Regardless of the medium, with canvas and paint magic literally leaps from your easel and into the hearts and minds of art lovers everywhere.	§2,500	§25,000
10	Master of the Brush	There is nothing else for you to learn for you are now the de facto master of your artistic craft. Art Historians will write essays about your work and tell your story with reverence.	§5,000	N/A

Notes

Please remember that paintings that you hang up on the wall don't count.

Photography

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Papa/Mama Paparazzi		N/A	+$20
2	Dark Room Destroyer		N/A	+$50
3	Awkwardly Close Zoomer		N/A	+$150
4	Social Network Profile Photographer		N/A	+$750
5	Disposable Debutante		$500	+$2,500
6	Aperture Scientist		N/A	+$5,000
7	Titan of Timelessness		$1,500	+$10,000
8	Lens Lover		N/A	+$25,000
9	Memory Catcher		$2,500	+$45,000
10	Snap Dragon		$5,000	+$60,000

Sculptor

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Questionable Potter	Sculpting isn't for everyone, much less a career in sculpting. though many will doubt your business on your current merits, a passion for sculpting will get you over these initial clay covered humps.	N/A	+§50
2	Cromagnon Clay Creator	A cave man reference isn't meant to imply your forehead is oddly shaped or that you live in a cave, but merely that there is room for you to evolve. And evolve you shall!	None	+§150
3	Sculpting Gozer	The title of Gozer is an ancient term meant to denote apprenticeship and accomplishment as a young sculptor. Your business will soon flourish. So, chisel away, Gozer!	None	+§300
4	Block Buster	The sculptor is a negative creator, in that matter is crushed and destroyed to display a refined vision of beauty. Smash away with your chisel and increase your client base.	None	+§1,000
5	Obelisk Architect	Tall, pointy sculptures and works of art are your business. You've come a long way, but you're only halfway to the top of this obelisk like sculpting career metaphor!	§500	+§2,500
6	Ice Gal/Guy	Ice is a medium of true artists and quick acting entrepreneurs. Remember to deliver your products before the ice, and all your hard work, melts away.	None	+§5,000
7	Renaissance Sculptor	Some of the greatest works of sculpture were completed during the Renaissance, and so your promotion comes with a title aligning you with the legends. Do not disappoint!	§1500	+§10,000
8	Chiseled Chiseler	Many fall in love with artists as soon as they are successful, which is one word to describe your career as a sculptor. You're close to the top, but it's not time to put away the chisel just yet.	None	+§25,000
9	Topiary Tantalizer	Landscapers long for you to indulge them with your amazing topiaries and other sculptures. Continue to create such brilliance and your career will take the final leap to the top.	§2500	+§45,000
10	Master Sculptologist	You've been so successful as a sculptor that some believe you've transcended art and turned brilliance and creation into a precise science. Enjoy the fame, profits, and respect of your peers. You've earned it.	§5000	N/A

Notes

Sculptors may sell their creations right off the stand or through Buy Mode to recieve credit towards promotion. Any object made at the Pedestrian Sculpting Station will count towards promotion.

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 recieve a Successful Sculptor's Medal from City Hall (Epic Hero Medal).

Vintner(Nectar Making)

Sadly the sims wiki does not have information on this career yet. Please add information if you have any.

Writing

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

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Fan Fiction Drafter	Your literary yearnings are barely paying the bills, but every famed author must start at Chapter 1. Keep writing and the next chapter is just a page away!	N/A	+§75
2	Small-Time Scribe	Critics aren't praising your latest work quite yet, nor do they know you even exist! However, critical scrutiny of your written word will come with patience and perseverance.	None	+§475
3	Tabloid Typist	Murmurs are turning into inside-voice whispers as you continue to climb the table of contents. At this rate, it won't be long until recognition and accolades follow.	None	+§1,475
4	Paperback Pauper	Reputable establishments now carry your works on shelves without despair or smirks, earning your latest piece a spot in an avid reader's rotation.	None	+§3,975
5	Work-for-Hire Wordsmith	Wordy corporations and literarily challenged locals are coming to you to wordsmith what they need, when they need it. Keep it up!	§500	+§8,975
6	Pretentious Poet	Poetry is but a phase for talented writers, but an important one nonetheless. Keep your rhymes appropriate, your pentameter pretentious, and your haiku within 5/7/5 syllables and all will be well.	None	+§16,975
7	Ghostwriter	Top notch writers who are too lazy to draft their own stories now seek you to do it for them at a fraction of the cost. A strong reputation and good attitude will go far in the writing industry!	§1,500	+§28,975
8	Prize Winning Author	The critics are lining up to pin accolades and awards upon the covers of your eagerly anticipated books. Many aspire to such lofty heights, but few succeed.	None	+§47,975
9	Fiction Fantastico	School children around the world rush to bookstores at midnight the day of the release of your latest work to hold your masterly crafted pages. There are few instances of higher praise than that.	§2,500	+§77,975
10	Blockbuster Writer	Without a doubt you are the preeminent writer alive today. Few have succeeded so brilliantly with words, imagination, and ink as you.	§5,000	N/A