Just want to update you on my latest money making venture—Focus Groups. Earlier this week I told you that I had two appointments to give my opinion. One was a focus group to discuss the local newspaper. The other was a taste test for a new gum product (I am not at liberty to tell you the details as I signed a non-disclosure agreement).

The appointments were in the evening after work. That was perfect so I could pick up my son; drop him off at home with my daughter, and then go on to the company conducting the focus group and taste test. I printed out the instructions and directions at work so I was all set. The only glitch was that the directions weren’t exactly accurate. I think both directions were based on Mapquest (which I have no confidence in anymore, I prefer Google Maps).

Instead of the street being at the fourth traffic light it was at the fifth traffic light. And darn it all, but I didn’t miss the lottery for the extra $25; more on that later. That was for the first appointment. The second appointment directions were just as confusing. It shouldn’t have been because my friend told me where to go, but I forgot to remember, hehe. The last turn should have been a left instead of a right but I made it on time anyway. Starting out early helped because Atlanta traffic is a beast in the evening.

I made it to the first appointment on time but just missed the lottery entrance. If I had gotten there 15 minutes before the appointment time I would have made it but the traffic light mix up made me 3 minutes late. Drats!!! The lady told me that there would be a light supper too so I missed it. Man was I hungry too.

I sat down and about 5 minutes later the coordinator came out and asked all those whose name was called to go to the next room. Those whose name wasn’t called would wait for further instructions. I knew what that meant so I began chanting, “Please don’t call my name. Please don’t call my name”.  Well wouldn’t you know it, they didn’t call my name. Woohoo!!!

Why would I be happy about this? Well as the coordinator would explain, “We often overbook the focus groups to be sure we have enough in case some don’t show. Well tonight everyone showed up and we have met our demographic quota. The good news is that you will still get your money. You just have to sit here for 15 minutes then you can collect your money and leave.”

Well I was more than happy to sit for 15 minute and make $75. I chit chatted with the other two people who were grinning from ear to ear like I was for a bit. Then wouldn’t you know it, one of the rejects won the lottery. So that means he got $100 for 15 minutes of his time, well maybe 30 minutes since he got there early. He was a happy little fella. I opened up the Time magazine and read about how Obama can gain popularity in his first 100 days in office by doing XYZ until the 15 minutes were up. It was actually a pretty good article.

I dutifully marched up to the desk when the lady said we could get our checks. This was a very good night. I didn’t have to sit in the hour or longer focus group with my stomach growling (though I would gladly have done it if so required) and I could pick me up some dinner.

The second appointment was not as easy but it wasn’t hard either. Actually it was rather dull but you can’t expect much with a sugar-free gum taste test. There were a lot of people there when I got there and a lot more people came after me. There was no way I was going to get out of this one.

We were herded into a large room and preceded with the taste test. There were four types of gum and it took a long time to test each one. I guess so we could get the full benefit of the taste and texture. We evaluated then moved to the next on (it actually didn’t happen that fast).

Finally, it was over and we picked up our checks and left. The interesting thing is there were kids in this study. They got the same amount as the adults ($40) and were grinning from ear to ear. Next time I’ll get my daughter in one of those studies. That would have been great Christmas money for her. Oh well….

So that’s how I made $115 for 1 ½ hours of “work”. Pretty cool, huh? Hopefully I will get in a few more before the year ends and start a new round in the New Year.

Samantha Gregory

Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.

Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.

She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.