As a veteran journalist, Lynne Curry (left) knows how to spot trends. Newspapers and magazines are slashing their budgets, cutting into her income. But the new category of “green-collar jobs” is growing fast, despite the economic slowdown. So Curry earned a credential as a green building specialist.

Politicians and entrepreneurs alike herald green jobs as the next big thing to boost the ailing economy and fight climate change. And the new green economy is creating a host of encore career opportunities as well.

The break between your midlife work and your encore career can be as short as a weekend or as long as several years. Either way, planning ahead can increase the chances for a successful encore career and save you some money as well

The time has come to put your personal passion to work for a cause greater than yourself. Now what?

The advice from job counselors who specialize in transitions from the commercial world to nonprofit organizations: Follow your passion. Reframe your career. Try it before you buy it. And check your ego at the door.

You have an excellent resume. Your senior-level, for-profit business experience is outstanding. But will it count in the much different world of nonprofits?

Bridgestar, which specializes in matching private sector talent with social sector opportunities, can help you recast your resume for your encore career.

The projected workforce talent gap that will occur when boomers begin to leave their jobs and there aren’t enough younger workers to fill them is prompting many firms to start thinking about how to attract and retain experienced workers.

By Steven Pascal-Joiner with Meg Busse. Action Without Borders, 2008
This essential resource for encore jobseekers outlines how to move from volunteering to rewarding nonprofit careers. Author Steven Pascal-Joiner digs into the differences between nonprofit work and jobs in other sectors, helping readers reframe their resumes and find meaningful employment. A free download is available at www.idealist.org. The print edition, $55.70, is available from Lulu.com.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has a wealth of information on accelerated programs that provide a fast track to careers in nursing.

Troops to Teachers helps veterans make the transition to teaching with subsidies and bonuses. Civic Ventures has published a background paper with more information.

By Shelly Cryer. Fieldstone Alliance, 2008
This book offers a clear and comprehensive overview of nonprofit careers. It includes a wide range of profiles that give readers a glimpse into the day-to-day realities of nonprofit work. Q&As with nonprofit luminaries provide deeper insight into the nonprofit sector. Price: $16.95 Available online at www.nonprofitcareerguide.org

The Partnership for Public Service is working to make the government an employer of choice for talented, dedicated Americans. The Partnership has a particular interest in encouraging boomers transitioning from the private sector to make encore careers in government service.

Stanford Center for Social Innovation is located at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The organization publishes the Stanford Social Innovation Review.