American society has placed considerable emphasis on the value of a part-time job for working-age students. This work is infrequently based upon real economic need. Many adults believe employment will teach a young person many important traits such as responsibility, time-management, budget management, and organizational skills. Although this may be the case for some young people, this study found data to support the theory that students who are employed during the school year are more susceptible to substance use and abuse than those who do not work. This study examined the relationship between student part-time employment and use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, over-the-counter drugs, and other substances. Students (N=7,426) in grades 6 through 12 in six school districts in a midwestern suburban/rural setting were surveyed. Results indicated that there was a strong relationship between use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana and student employment. Student employment was correlated with cocaine use, and the use of other drugs. Student employment can lead to an over-commitment to work at the expense of school. With tobacco, alcohol, and drugs a factor in today's society, it is imperative for parents, employers, and educators to ensure that students with extra spending money are not at risk of falling into the substance abuse trap through their work experiences. (16 tables) (LLL)