Real Time Kills this game

the real time doesn't bother me. I play on my way to and from work, that's where i use up their energy. and then i let the game play itself while i start my job. when i have a break, i pop in and use up some more energy. i usually have them do the long shifts, and choose the long option for hobbies. i also start them on a task before i go to bed because by the time i wake up, they're just finishing and they have full energy. i assign them something else to do, use up their energy, then shower and get ready for my day. i don't mind the micro transactions because i don't plan to buy anything, maybe occasionally/rarely. i don't like toddlers and kids being unplayable.

thanks for letting me know how aging works! this thread has been very informative.