I use one of the Nraas mods to slow down time so my sims have more time in their day. It makes a huge difference to the game. I think the mod is called Nraas Relativity if I remember right. I don't know if you use mods but I highly recommend it. My sims go to work, take care of their children and still have some free time for hobbies, socializing or whatever activities I want them to do. The days seem so short in the Sims 3 default compared to how they are in the Sims 4. I was having the same struggle as you are before downloading the relativity mod.
