$6.50/ plus commission for a part-time job ?

That's pretty low, but lots of people in high school and college get paid minimum wage. Working at a common place like that will pay you low (other examples would be common clothing stores and the job is horrible). What you should do is get a job where you earn lots of tips-waitress, bartender, beverage cart person on a golf course-you might not get paid super well (they usually get paid about $2.50 an hour), but you earn lots of tips and probably bring home around at least $80 in tips every night, depending on where you're working. You'll make more than your friends that way. Also, you could try more upscale places, like really nice department stores (Nordstrom) or a skin care/make-up place. I just got a job at an environmentally friendly skin care place and make more than most people my age probably, they're willing to hire people if you have good people skills and are ready to learn. You could even do a place like Clinique or Revlon, the little places in department stores...you'd also learn a lot about skin care and probably get a wonderful discount. Good luck! :)

That's really low. It could afford you some experience though. Taking such a job may diminish your academics and cause you to loose points in school.

Your decision should also depend on your state minimum wage as well. In california, the minimum is $8.25 per hour.

That must be a pretty low end jewelry shop