News that hiring in nonprofit organizations could be picking up may provide an incentive to consider a career change. However, the transition from working in the for-profit world to a nonprofit career is not always an easy switch. Marci Alboher, vice president at Civic Ventures, offers many suggestions, insights and resources to help you shift to a nonprofit career.

Despite difficult economic times, volunteering has increased dramatically in the past few years. A recent study found that the number of Americans volunteering in their communities increased by 1.6 million in 2009 – the largest increase in six years. Stephen Anfield's volunteering gig at AARP eventually led to a part-time job there. His experience at AARP helped him land full-time work promoting encore careers at Civic Ventures.

Yes, Americans are getting older. But that creates opportunities for baby boomers looking for an encore career. “As tens of millions of people live into their 80s and 90s, we’ll need millions of others in their 50s and 60s and 70s to help care for them – not just within families, but through second careers,” says Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures.

Ever-increasing life expectancies have opened a new stage between midlife and anything resembling old age. As part of its multimedia series, FronterasDesk.org looks at a growing number of boomers who are entering their 60s and rejecting notions they should idle away or play golf for 30 years. Instead, boomers are looking for encore careers that will allow them to continue to work in areas for social good.

Last week, George Soros’ firm announced it would stop managing money for outside investors, formally ending the legendary financier’s high-profile, 40-year career. With a personal net worth of $15 billion, his future will include a few more mansions and private jets than the typical retiree. One suggestion offered in the article is to seek opportunities to continue using your job skills and talents. Doing this, will help you find a career with purpose -- an encore career.

Do you believe in the existence of a life stage called adolescence? Almost everyone reading this will concur that a unique developmental period exists between childhood and adulthood associated with the teen years. Yet this word did not exist in the 19th century and only became part of the lexicon in 1904. Marc Freedman, author of The Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage beyond Midlife, eloquently argues that it is now time for society and culture to embrace a new life stage between middle age and old age.