In the gameplay settings, under “Pack settings,” I UNCHECK ALL boxes under Eco Lifestyle and Bust the Dust. See “Rotations” section below for more information. 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 whim 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 Whim Overhaul 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. I play using a wants-based (or I guess in The Sims 4 we could call it whims-based) style.
