Paranormal was a really good pack. I had some trouble with the career too. Ghosts never spawned. Turns out it was because of some mods that I used.
I think the people who made Paranormal did a good job. It felt like I was playing a game, it had rules that you had to follow and you could make it easier or harder on yourself depending on how many sims you played and how you chose to play them, which was fun.
It's frustrating to have your old packs broken by bugs, restaurants and cafes have not aged well. I have not updated my game since Cottage Living (I don't have scenarios or SDX) so I'm not sure if I will buy the next game pack...
I am kinda looking more for a game, and Maxis are not really offering me that anymore so I am playing some other games right now, I still play the Sims sometimes.