Careers have always played a huge role in The Sims franchise. Just like in real life, people need jobs to maintain their lifestyles. Sims won't be able to afford the things they want if they lack a source of income. Luckily, fans have plenty of options when it comes to career choices.
Unsurprisingly, with a series as long-lived as The Sims, various career tracks have come and gone over the years. Jobs available in previous games didn't make the cut in The Sims 4. It's a shame, considering many of the careers present in the older titles are pretty interesting.
8 Slacker
The idea of being a slacker as an actual career choice is a bit strange to wrap one's head around. The Slacker career track made its debut in The Sims: Livin' Large and also made a reappearance in The Sims 2. Alas, there is no bonafide Slacker career in The Sims 3 or The Sims 4.
In the original Sims, managing one's needs and friends was a difficult process. The Slacker career had very short hours but didn't offer much in the way of pay (go figure). The career functioned similarly in The Sims 2, but at least players could make use of the AquaGreen Hydroponic Garden as a career reward.
7 Circus
Progressing from a simple Popcorn Vendor to a full-blown Ringmaster was something players could expect from the Circus career in the first Sims. Much like the Slacker career, the Circus gig wasn't monetarily very impressive, though it required few friends, which was helpful in the original game.
Fans who purchased The Sims: Unleashed could join the Circus. Players would have more options regarding entertainment-focused careers in subsequent games, but the Circus was unfortunately omitted from succeeding titles in the franchise.
6 Gangster
The Sims proved such an instant success that it eventually made its way onto consoles. Longtime fans likely remember The Sims: Bustin' Out, which was released in 2003 and featured a story mode. Familiar careers from the mainline games were included alongside new ones for fans to explore.
The Gangster career track was similar to the longstanding and famous Criminal career from the main games. However, the Gangster track contained new levels such as Arsonist, Hit Man, and Mob Boss. The Gangster career track specifically never appeared in a subsequent Sims game, though fans can still be criminals in The Sims 4.
5 Xtreme
The Xtreme career made its debut in the original Sims as one of the game's ten basic job tracks. It's certainly one of the most unique journeys a Sim can embark upon as they participate in a variety of dangerous occupations, culminating in International Spy at level 10.
Unfortunately, the Xtreme career as it appeared in the first game never made the cut in subsequent titles. However, bits and pieces of the career would be reincorporated and reworked into other careers with succeeding games. For example, Sims can be secret agents in The Sims 4.
4 Adventurer
The Adventurer career track allowed players to turn their Sims into Indiana Jones-esque explorers. Sims start as a lowly Ambassador's Intern and end as a swashbuckling Space Pirate by level 10. This interesting career only made it into The Sims 2: Seasons.
Like other careers in The Sims 2, the Adventurer track bestows a unique reward for players who make it midway through the ladder. The Golden Skull of Jumbok IV boosts several needs when standing in close proximity to it.
3 Fortune Teller
In The Sims 3, players had a little more flexibility regarding careers. After level 5, careers branched into two mutually-exclusive categories. With The Sims 3: Supernatural, players could become Fortune Tellers. In addition, players could either become Mystics or Scam Artists after reaching the midway point of the ladder.
When meeting with clients, fans also had the option to experiment with different tones while they worked. While The Sims 4 incorporates its own blend of supernatural elements, this particular Fortune Teller career doesn't make an appearance.
2 Sports Agent
Sims have always had the opportunity to take part in physical activities and sports careers. Nevertheless, The Sims 3: University Life made it possible to pursue a career in the business side of the sports world. Players could begin their journey as a PR Assistant and end it as a fully-fledged Team Owner.
Fans who ingratiate themselves with the Jocks social group can unlock this career track. Although Sims can join the Athletic career in The Sims 4, life as a Sports Agent can only be experienced in the third entry.
1 Firefighter
Longtime fans of the series are undoubtedly familiar with the Firefighter NPC. After all, the kitchen will be set on fire at some point, right? In The Sims 3: Ambitions, players could actually become a Firefighter and rescue other Sims from blazing infernos and earthquakes.
Firefighter Sims can even earn commendations in the form of trophies and medals for a job well done. Even though fans can join a variety of professions in The Sims 4, the Firefighter career is nowhere to be found.