yes, if you start as early and as often as possible. Kids will quickly learn that math is what really pays, not TV or video games. They won’t complain that long division is “useless.” It’s just part of the deal.
Teach venality, and they will learn venality, not math. This goes back to your original point about school being a job. Kids will instantly recognize this for the lie that it is. Paying for grades is not a wage, it’s a bribe.
... and long division is useless! You can’t bribe your way out of that.