Live of Groupon

We will choose one person to attempt to survive for one year with nothing but a laptop, cellphone, and an unlimited supply of Groupons. If successful, that person will receive
$100,000!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this real?

Yes, it’s real.

What do I get to keep during the year?

Nothing - all your stuff will go into storage. You can’t even start with a book. You’ll even cut up your credit cards and close your bank account (we’ll hold your money in escrow).

So, is this real?

Stop asking that! Yes!

What about the essentials - will I always have food and shelter?

You will be provided with an unlimited supply of Groupons, including Groupons that provide food and shelter (restaurants and hotels). Think of it this way - Live Off Groupon at its worst will still be better than life 1,000 years ago at its best.

I seriously have to wear a paper Groupon suit???

At least to get started - but it will be partially made of Groupons for clothing boutiques, so you should have no trouble buying real clothes if you prefer.

What about toiletries?

Hotels usually have these. Whatever, just be creative, you’ll figure it out.

Ok seriously, how much would this disrupt my daily life?

You are leaving your current life behind, including friends, loved ones and the familiar. You will not be home on holidays, you will not see your mom if you get sick, and you will miss all personal milestones including birthdays, your daughter’s graduation and your cousin’s wedding in Boca. No exceptions. Don’t forget, this ‘new’ life isn’t too shabby - you will travel across the country to Groupon cities of your choosing, experiencing the best businesses and people each city has to offer.

When does the year start?

We’re thinking mid April, but that could change.

How long is one year in Live Off Groupon terms?

365 days.

Do I have to quit my job?

Not necessarily, but why wouldn’t you? You won’t be able to use any of the money you’re making.

You’re welcome to try and keep your job, but remember you’re going to be traveling across the country - we can’t have you nailed down to one place. You are basically going to be our pawn for the course of the year, so what we tell you to do takes precedent over what your boss tells you to do. They better be pretty forgiving.

Just quit your job.

I have student loans, credit card debt and/or other bills. Will you pay those while I Live Off Groupon?

Yeah, we can help you out - but if we’re making your credit card payments, that’ll come out of your $100,000.

I could easily live off Groupons for a year…can my English Bulldog, Zelda, come along?

No pets. But we’ll forward you the money necessary to put her in doggie daycare or have her cryogenically frozen.

Can I accept help from strangers or friends?

Yes! This experience is what you make of it. A successful candidate will use their blog and social media feeds to rely on strangers and friends for help with everything from a ride to Las Vegas to cash for tip at a restaurant.

Is there an age requirement?

21 and up. No maximum age parameters. In fact, if you can prove you are older than 120 years in age, you automatically pass to the interview round.

Is this open to people who are married/in a relationship?

Yes, you can apply, but it’s going to be a huge strain on your relationship. We will not allow your partner to mooch off of your Groupons. You won’t be sleeping in the same place either. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO HERE - WE WILL NOT FEEL BAD IF THIS DESTROYS YOUR RELATIONSHIP!

How will I get around?

We expect to have plenty of Groupons for that - both to get you around the city, and from city to city.

You can also hitchhike, bum rides with friends and Groupon community members, etc.

Can I crash on someone’s couch?

How well do you know this person? It’s allowed, but Groupon accepts none of the fault if you choose to couchsurf and wind up in an awkward (or dangerous) situation. Common sense is highly encouraged.

This seems crazy. What happens if I’m injured or killed while trying to Live Off Groupons?

How are you going to get injured or killed eating sushi and getting your nails done? Anyway, if you manage to find a way to get yourself injured or killed or you have a nervous breakdown or whatever, we obviously aren’t responsible - by being chosen for this challenge, you relinquish your right to sue Groupon for any reason ever for the rest of your life and in death.

I can’t decide if I should enter. Where’s all the fine print?

There isn’t any fine print. We are looking for someone who really wants to do this - once we move into interviews we’ll work with you to determine start date, cities to visit, etc. We’ll even get some stuff in writing (pages and pages, in fact) to make sure everyone’s comfortable with the agreement. It’s pretty straightforward: work with us to go to cities where we have supplied Groupons, use Groupons, last 365 days, earn $100,000.

Have you visited this page more than once? Just apply already.

Ok, I’m in. When do we start?

Groupon’s favorite applicants will move into a few rounds of interviews, both phone and in-person. We will also do a background check and psychological and physical examinations - believe it or not, we want this thing to end well for you.

This could be you in one year!

(except you will still have a real head)

The Buzz

"One of the most ridiculous social-media promotions that any brand has attempted to pull off." - CNET

"An unusual job you might want to consider in your quest to reinvent yourself." - Washington Post