There are lots of ways to go about this, depending on how you like to play. Personally, if I'm playing a single sim, I give them a hobby or put them in a profession that involves something fun, for example painting or playing chess. That way the sim can increase fun and build a relevant skill at the same time.
If I'm playing with a sim couple, I have them woohoo to take care of the fun motive, usually right before work and right after if someone's had a stressful day. It's a lot faster than watching TV and keeps the relationship up too.
Other details that make things easier:
- I buy the most expensive bed my sims can reasonably afford, at least +8, so they don't need to sleep for as long.
- My sims wake up, take a shower, then eat a full breakfast before work, which will last them until bedtime.
- The sims also make group servings of meals so they don't always need to cook.
- If a sim isn't going to get a promotion that day, they chat with coworkers so they don't get stressed out.
- I plan critical skill-building that isn't fun for when my sims' moods are high so they learn faster.
This isn't a specific schedule so much as planning activities for maximum efficiency, for example doing something fun and fulfilling a small wish to drive up a sim's mood, then skill building while they're happy. I think I wouldn't enjoy keeping to a particular schedule because it doesn't allow for spontaneity or quick adjustments.
If you really don't feel like there are enough hours in the sim-day, you might consider NRaas Relativity, which can slow down time however you want. The default time is 37, and anything in double digits is fine; I hear that 23 is popular.
