only if they need the $ and there is no other option . the ROI from a high GPA and good grad school, makes the extra $ from a crappy part-time job insignificant.

imo this is one of those things that makes sense on paper but doesn't work out in real life. the extra lifetime earnings from a first job in hs/college are indeed insignificant. the value of a job is that, for many teenagers and young adults, it is the first time they have to navigate an environment that isn't specifically designed to cater to their needs. this is how most of life is when you finish school.