Two recent news stories show the upside of encore success stories – and the downside of reinvention myths.

BusinessWeek recently posted a slideshow to its site, showcasing 16 people in new, later-life careers. Eight of the 16 are in true encore careers dedicated to the greater good, and two of these are ones we know well.

Looking for work is never easy. Looking for meaningful work when you’re over 50, it’s August, and unemployment is at record levels – well, you need all the tools (and friends) you can get.

So here are five online sources I think you’ll find useful if you’re beginning to look for an encore career – or have a friend who is.

For many, changing careers can be a scary proposition. There is often no clear path, leaving career switchers fending for themselves.

Registered nurses looking for encores that will keep them in the nursing profession can check out two new online resources about adding to their credentials.

RN to MSN Online has compiled a list of schools that have programs through which registered nurses may earn a Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN. Such a degree can be a gateway to serving as a nurse administrator, nurse educator, nurse practitioner and other such positions.

Ed. Note: Here is feedback from Encore.org member Laura Westenkirchner on her difficulty in finding an encore career. Do you have any advice for her?

I have been through part of your website, and I agree with the premise that people are looking for meaningful employment at retirement or close to it, but I have my doubts about it happening.

Civic Ventures announced Launch Pad today, an online contest to find five people with great ideas for transforming their community.

Check it out.

The rules are simple: Anyone 45 and over can enter. All people have to do is submit their idea online for improving their community by December 20. Civic Ventures will narrow down the list of submissions to 25 semifinalists, then the public will be able to vote for five winners starting in January.

Echoing Green is hiring. The nonprofit organization has two positions available that are ideal jobs for individuals seeking encore careers. Both are full time and are based in New York City.

Echoing Green is a nonprofit that invests in and supports outstanding emerging social entrepreneurs (called Echoing Green Fellows) to launch new organizations that deliver bold, high-impact solutions. It has invested $28 million in seed funding to more than 471 social entrepreneurs and their innovative organizations.

Unlike any other time in history, people from four generations are on the job together. Civic Ventures, with support from MetLife Foundation, commissioned three essays exploring today’s multigenerational workforce.

In a piece posted July 21, 2010, on her Careers Search blog, Lin Schreiber recommends "Eight Key Sites to Inspire Your Encore Career," and Encore.org is at the top of the list.

A couple of AARP sites, BizStarters.com and Experience Corps are among the others on her list.

Click here to read the entire list