Knowledge can only take you so far in your career. In order to find – and keep – the best jobs, you’ll have to work on those intangible (and often-elusive) soft skills that every employer wants but few employees possess. This applies not only to your chosen full-time career, but also to part-time money-making opportunities to help you save money to buy a house or otherwise enhance your quality-of-life.
 
 
Respect. Being respectful in the workplace is more than just simply showing up on time and doing your assigned task. Respect means listening to your employer as well as your co-workers and being mindful of how you use resources during company time.
 
 
Punctuality. Showing up on time is such a simple thing that can completely define your relationship – or lack thereof – with an employer. Practice punctuality by giving yourself a set amount of time to get out the door each morning. If you are perpetually late, try setting your main clocks back by five to 10 minutes to trick you into getting out the door a bit sooner.
 
 
Self-discipline. Self-discipline is a skill that you can teach yourself and one you can improve each and every day, according to Global Ethics University. Employers seek employees who can keep a handle on their bad habits during the work week, who take the time to learn the rules, and to initiate and complete goals without supervision. An example of self-discipline in the workplace is to avoid checking social media accounts until you're off the clock.
 
 
Flexibility. Perhaps the most important skill in any environment is the ability and willingness to adapt to any situation. Being flexible means working more – or less – hours than necessary, lending a hand in areas outside the scope of your position, or working through unexpected conditions.
 
 
Assertiveness. There are three types of people in this world: passive, aggressive, and assertive. Passive people tend to let the world pass them by while aggressive people may be overly-enthusiastic and unrelenting when trying to make a point. Assertive individuals, by contrast, are neither content to sit on the sidelines nor are they willing to force their opinion on others.
 
 
Leadership. The Omania Group lists leadership as the number one skill on employer wish lists. Companies need employees, whether full-time or part-time, who have the ability to cultivate relationships across the organization and can encourage productivity at all levels.
 
 
Best contract positions
 
 
The following three jobs have few barriers to entry, offer flexible work hours, and offer the opportunity to generate a sizable income.