Have you ever you ever heard the cliché: When life hands you a lemon, learn how to make lemonade? Right now the weather we’re experiencing is the biggest lemon I’ve ever seen. There are plenty of people complaining about it, so I’m going to shake things up and describe some people who are benefiting from these ridiculous conditions.

The snowplow drivers are figuring out how they’re going to spend the extra income from working so much overtime. The wonderful guy who plows my driveway has been an acquaintance for many years and now after several entertaining conversations he’s moved over to my list of good friends.

Sales are up at Netflix. Let’s see, we could warm up the

car and drive on dangerous icy roads to go to a movie or sit in front of the fireplace and watch a few movies for half the price. My wife and I just watched “Fargo” again, and it was amazing to see that the weather that normally happens in Fargo, Minn., has arrived in New York state.

Businesses that normally don’t give personal interviews to “walk-ins” are coming out of their offices and taking the time to at least shake hands and say hello. They figure that anyone who is coming out in this weather to find a job must have a great work ethic and is someone they may want to hire. This actually might be a good time for you to knock on a few doors and impress that potential employer.

Speaking of great employees, I immediately think of the guy who delivers our propane. Spending eight hours or more in ridiculously cold conditions is sufficient reason to frown and complain. As I attempted to shovel a path through the snowdrift, we shared stories of how we will enjoy our boats this summer as well as great boat trips we enjoyed in the past. It was an enjoyable conversation in the middle of what otherwise is a thankless task. That’s an example of a positive attitude employers and grateful customers appreciate.

For the first time in my career I’m going to develop a list of seasonal job interview questions. I’ve always said that what comes out of people when they’re squeezed is who they really are, and this winter we have all been squeezed. How have you dealt with all the inconveniences that have accompanied this bad weather? Did you prepare in advance for these conditions, or did they catch you off-guard? Describe a neighbor, friend or family member who has been the most helpful during the recent storms. How has your family been affected by this unusual weather? Have you had any fun in the middle of this misery? Have you learned any lessons from experiencing the coldest February in 25 years?

This is an ideal time to teach our children some compassion. If there are elderly couples in the neighborhood, have your children knock on their doors and ask if they need any help. If you’re making a trip to the supermarket maybe you could get them a few essential items. Helping people during a crisis presents the opportunity to build character. Our children learn more from what we do vs. what we say. Show them how to reach out and help those in need.

Real life stories are the most effective way of showing a potential employer your true character. Don’t whine about the horrible winter of 2015 during your next job interview. It’s an excellent opportunity to show them how you deal with adversity. Explain how you got out of bed at 5 a.m. to shovel out and ensure you got to work on time. Tell them how many of hours of overtime you worked and you welcomed the opportunity to earn income. Smile and tell a couple of funny stories that demonstrate you have a positive attitude and sense of humor.

Yes, this winter has challenged the most positive attitudes to the limit, but it also presents an opportunity to show the rest of the world what you’re made of. Bundle up and find someone who needs help. Someone may notice your efforts, and you will earn the reputation of being that “go-to person” they admire. Somewhere down the line your efforts will be recognized and even if they’re not -— you’ll sleep better knowing that you’ve done a good deed. Brrrrrr.

Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. He also is an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact him with your questions, suggestions and comments at bill@stoneassociatestraining.com.