You’re not unemployed. You are intra-employed.

That’s a great, half-full phrase from one of my favorite workplace academics, Ben Dattner, a New York University adjunct professor who teaches organizational development.

Basically, intra-employed means you’re between jobs, he says, and that’s a positive spin on a negative situation — being out of work.

“I think as hard as times are,” he explains, “one can always frame things positively.”

Exactly! I’m trying to be more positive.

Recently a colleague and branding expert I respect, Dan Schawbel, told me my blogs about the recession and skyrocketing joblessness have been too negative lately. So, I’m putting on my positive hat.

In fact, I’m even singing this morning.

Always look on the bright side of life.

That’s a line from a song from one of my favorite movies, Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” –

I know, I know, the guy is on a cross, and what’s positive about that. Well, he’s looking on the bright side. If he can, you can damn it!

No matter how hard it gets out there in the unemployment trenches folks, you’re better off than these guys.

I was speaking on a Michigan radio show called Barnaby & Friends this morning about layoffs and how, for most people, getting fired from a job always turns out to be the best thing that ever happened.

I’m serious about this. In my 20 plus years covering labor and workplace issues I have never met anywone who said, a year or more after being let go, that the layoff wasn’t the best thing that ever happened.

It may not seem like that now folks, but I promise, you’ll look back and say, “Eve was right.”

So, on this lovely, beautiful Monday morning, (I don’t care if the weather is bad where you are, go with me on this) I want you all to create a job-seeking action plan.

I know you might not want to face this, but start out with your resume. Some of you may not have one, or have a dusty old one. Don’t look at that old one, just start fresh.

If you’ve had the same job for the last 25 plus years, I would suggest making a list of ten things you did recently at your job, i.e. projects you handled; sales targets you met; major articles or papers you wrote, etc.

This is a starting point folks. The challenge is convincing someone you are the best person for the job. Wow them with your accomplishments. I don’t care if you don’t have 12 employers on your resume.

Make your resume interesting and please, please, don’t be long winded. One page is fine unless you’re in a highly technical field or academia.

And approach your job search as if you’re just in transition.

Transition from one job to another, as Dattner says.

With potential employers and even friends you meet up with at holiday parties you can say — and maintain this as your mentality — “I’m intra-employed right now. I’m looking for something that’s right for me.”

How’s that for positive Dan?

OK, sing with me:

Always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the light side of life…