Painting, Gardening, Collecting, and Writing can all make tons of money, that's true. But if the money is coming in too quickly, self control helps.
The pace only goes as fast as you let it. (IMO) Agree or disagree.
I'm glad that careers aren't the only way to make money as I don't like always having my sims work. Personally though, I have no trouble making money with jobs or having no jobs. I rarely even have sims that paint or write. Some sims just live off of collectibles and some work. Just depends on my mood and how much time I want to spend with the sims.(Control wise)
I personally don't agree that all careers should make the same or similar profit, but that's just how I see it. I do wish there was more career variety as well as part time jobs for adults (no mods).
The end of this guide has a chart comparing job income:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/careers/Just my opinion of course.
