Anyone else have a problem going back to old saves after patches and getting new packs?

I love working new content into an existing save. Especially a long-running save where I don't have a plan from one generation to the next what they will do. The new content helps give the new generation a different feel and different options in life.

It honestly depends, for me, on how long it takes for mods to update. If I was using a lot of key mods or CC that broke with a patch and I don't know when/if they'll update... odds are, I won't return to the save even once the mods/cc are updated. "Key" in this case being mods that actively change gameplay, such as the chemistry system mod, or else custom traits/careers/aspirations/etc.

It's actually one of the reasons why I've been trying to cull my mods so much, and why I try to run test saves before replacing my mods after I get a new pack - to remind myself that the game doesn't require mods for me to have fun with it.

But I do get what you're saying. There's been more than one pack/patch that has made me want to emulate GalacticGal and start over, because it changed something key to my gameplay in that particular story... usually for the better, or it would have been if I'd had it before.

As for what I do about it... I usually just start a new story. I see nothing wrong with moving on when the story no longer works for you. Now, if this means you're dropping your story every month... I can see where that might get concerning. But if the pack doesn't offer any direct impact on your current story (like Werewolves for most Realism players) then just try to see it as new families moving in to those shell houses. ;)

I find myself usually just restarting the family from the existing save. I did this when Parenthood dropped, for instance. This time, instead of abandoning my current save, I have created what I'm calling a Flashback save. My Global Superstar has grown into a YA, he earned this status as a Teen. Has married, has graduated Uni with a distinguished degree, and is the father of six children. He's also winning Best Song Accolades every week. I will NOT abandon this save. But I do wish to see this Sim in high school. Hence, the compromise is the Flashback save. I will marry the two saves together at some point and then write up in flashback form, Erik's own experience in the upper level of his education. I think this part will begin when his eldest child, Jamison, is about to begin high school. Unless, of course, this save turns out better in many ways than the existing one. Time will tell. And, yes, I am the GalacticGal referenced above. ;)

kind of when its some addition i have to test before i mess my main save

usually i just start temporary test save and play that until i understand how stuff works again and can return to my main save

if its more of story thing tho like " werewolves don't fit in this familys story" thats no issue cause i play multiple households in one save in which i can just play another household in which werewolves do fit without having to start whole new save