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

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 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.