The Season of Disconnect — and How to Flip It

As autumn creeps in and the days get shorter, something else settles in quietly too: stillness, solitude, and for many people, a sense of being stuck. The sunlight fades, the cold keeps us indoors, and the dark hours stretch longer than we’d like to admit.

But this season doesn’t have to feel empty. In fact, it could be your chance to turn that quiet into something powerful.

At 99active, we believe the answer isn’t more scrolling. It’s more showing up. In real life. With real people. For real connection.

Let’s be honest: loneliness hits differently when it’s dark at 5pm. And it’s not just something older people face. Gen Z and Millennials are reporting record levels of social disconnection too. But connection doesn’t require a party or a big social circle.

Sometimes, all it takes is an invitation to do something together.

Why Your Generation is Craving Real Connection

You’ve grown up with endless digital options, but somehow feel more disconnected than ever. You can swipe through hundreds of profiles, join countless online communities, and still feel like you’re missing something real.

The irony? You’re the generation that values authenticity most. You want experiences that matter, skills that last, and connections that go deeper than a double-tap. You’re tired of performative social media and hungry for genuine human interaction.

This isn’t about becoming an influencer or building a personal brand. This is about using what you already know to create something meaningful in your actual community. Your skills—whether it’s perfecting latte art, fixing vintage bikes, or leading a songwriting session—have value beyond your own enjoyment.

One Skill. One Table. Five People Who Needed It.

A pottery class. A songwriting night. A DIY repair session. A chance to learn a new skill, get out of the house, and feel part of something again.

You don’t need a studio, a certificate, or a massive following to teach something valuable. If you know how to knit, throw clay, grow herbs, fix a zipper, or make a simple meal from scratch - that’s enough.

People are craving spaces where they can feel human again. Where they can learn without pressure, laugh with strangers, and leave feeling a little better than when they arrived.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not really a teacher…” stop right there.

If you’re a few steps ahead of someone else, you can guide them. That’s what an act on 99active is all about.

Purpose First. Pay Second. Both Feel Amazing.

Of course, when you offer your act on 99active, you also get paid. And that matters. Your time, prep, and energy deserve compensation.

But the bigger reward? Purpose. A reason to show up. A way to turn your skills into stories that others will carry home with them.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.

Beyond the Side Hustle: Creating Real Impact

Sure, you could spend your evenings scrolling through “side hustle” content, trying to monetize every hobby. But what if instead, you focused on creating genuine impact in your community?

When you host an act, you’re not just earning money—you’re creating a space where people can learn, connect, and feel less alone during the dark months. You’re building the kind of community you actually want to live in.

For example, imagine hosting a simple “Soup & Sourdough” evening at your kitchen table. You show a handful of neighbors how to mix dough, shape loaves, and simmer a hearty soup. People laugh, swap stories, and leave with a fresh loaf and a new skill. That one act can spark new friendships and make the season feel warmer for everyone.

Think about it: someone in your neighborhood is right now wishing they could learn exactly what you know. They’re searching online, finding nothing close by, and giving up. Your first act could be the answer they’re looking for.

This isn’t about building a business empire. It’s about using your skills to make your corner of the world a little brighter, a little more connected, a little more human.

The Practical Stuff (Because We Know You're Thinking It)

“But I don’t have a fancy space.” Your living room works. That corner table at the café works. The community center that’s empty on Tuesday afternoons works.

“But I’m not a professional teacher.” You don’t need to be. If you can do it, you can teach someone else to do it. That’s it.

“But what if no one shows up?” Start small. Invite friends first. Post in local Facebook groups. The first few times might be quiet, but that’s how every great community starts.

“But I don’t know what to charge.” Start with €20-30 for a 2-hour session. Include materials. Keep it simple. You can always adjust later.

The truth? You’re overthinking it. The people who show up aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for connection, learning, and a reason to get out of the house.

Start Now. Not "Someday."

This season will pass, just like the last. But imagine how different it could feel if you filled it with acts that matter.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.

Offer your first act this month. You might earn a little. You might change someone’s week. And you’ll definitely light up the season in ways you didn’t expect.

Your Neighborhood is Waiting for You

Right now, someone in your area is wishing they could learn exactly what you know. They’re searching online, finding nothing close by, and giving up. Your first act could be the answer they’re looking for.

A pottery class. A songwriting night. A DIY repair session. A chance to learn a new skill, get out of the house, and feel part of something again.