On a related note about occupations, I want to give a shout out to RPGObjects recent d20 Modern release,
Gangland. In addition to two new Advanced classes, the Hitman and the Vigilante, it introduces a really nifty new concept (actually two nifty new concepts, as you'll see): Advanced Occupations. An Advanced Occupation is essentially a feat that gives you an additional, specialized occupation, all in one. It has prerequisites like other feats do based on having ranks in skills, but they all share a common prerequisite - must have the Criminal starting occupation OR Criminal Record feat (nifty new concept #2, see below). The advanced Occupations let you specialize in a type of crime (Arsonist, Card Shark, Cat Burglar, Con Artist, Fixer, Hacker, Loan Shark, Safecracker, Stalker, and Wheelman). EDIT: The number of skill ranks in the prerequisites for Advanced Occupations let you take them at first level, at least if you meet all the requirements.
What's the Criminal Record feat? It's a feat that gives you two skills as permanent class skills (or a +1 competence bonus if it already is one) just like in an occupation. It also lets you pick the criminal Advanced Occupation feats listed above. Now your White Collar lawyer by day can be a stalker by night, or your disgruntled Technician can become a Hacker.
More brilliance from the mind of Charles Rice.
