Hi.
Sorry the game feels like a grind to you, that's no fun at all. I play with no cheats and no mod to alter the flow of time and seem to manage just fine - but that's me. While Sims 3 is a time/life management game (of sorts), it is also a big disjointed puzzle. It is all in the way you approach what you are trying to accomplish. Mix and Match things up!
I find if you don't immediately jump into things, but rather take your time (not meaning going slow necessarily), you will be able to accomplish whatever goal you want and build as many skills in no time flat.
Let's take socializing for example. There are a lot of ways to do it and Sims will always tell (or show) you something about themselves.
One of the first things I do is have my Sims (charisma trait or not) read the first chapter of the charisma book. It really isn't needed beyond the initial chapter. Because, after that your Sim will be speaking or interacting with other Sims and the skill will begin to build on its own.
Now let's mix socializing with various skill builders and try to make it a bit fun.
Would your Sim like to improve their cooking skill?
Make a group serving meal (or take a group serving) to the park, or library or any other place where Sims gather around dinner time (6-7pm) in my game. Have your Sim share a meal with the townies, they will talk and interact. Full bellies makes for happy Sims. Afterwards, just say hello to whoever happens to be there. After dinner, maybe select a sim to play chess with or just talk to. A portable radio can turn dinner in the park into an unofficial party.
Speaking or radios. Take a portable radio to the park and have your Sim exercise (build athletic skill). Other Sims will come to join you in the workout or come over to dance to the music. If your Sim is dancing, they will begin to talk with you.
Add a fire pit to a community lot. In the evening, light the fire and have your Sim read a book (skill or relaxing), have an open flame dinner (up to 3 items on the roasting stick) and just wait. Sims will come to share your fire, roast marshmallows and socialize.
Is your Sim out and about in town running errands? Take a moment to greet Sims who may be going into or coming out of your shopping places. A quick greeting is all it takes to add them to the relationship panel.
On days when you can't get out or don't feel like seeing other Sims, call them on the phone. Or, chat with them over the PC. Sim phone calls are generally about a Sim hour long but you can tell them when to hang up. This helps to maintain and build their relationship.
On days when you have a lot to do at home, invite them over to hang out. You have no idea how many times on laundry day or house cleaning day I have had my Sims invite their friends over. I always provide food for them. Don't worry, your guests will always find a way to entertain themselves so you don't have to stand chatting every moment they are there. When my Sims take a break (from whatever they were doing), I would have them ask their friends to play catch, or a video game (or a couple rounds of chess) or watch TV and even dance. This builds the relationship and memories. Plus, you get to learn more about the Sim by just watching what they do.
Pack a meal and go over to a friends house for dinner. Sims do not consider it rude if you bring your meal to their house and have dinner. They only consider it rude if you try to make dinner from the food in their fridge. So, grab a salad and go get to know that Sim you've had your eye on in their surroundings.
Break up big tasks and turn them into more manageable pieces. Set aside days which are better suited to some tasks (I have a laundry day, for example).
Remember, there are many ways to do anything in this game from making simoleons to building relationships to planning a course to having it all. It just takes a little imagination ;).
