My cousin worked his way up from baggage handler to pilot and he believes it gave him an advantage in the total time department when he applied. I believe he had about 250 hrs or so less than the next lowest guy in his class.

If you've never worked in the industry I think it's a good change to get an idea of what you're getting yourself into. I worked as a gate agent for about a year before I began flying and still use skills I learned as a CSA now as a line pilot. Plus it's a great way to meet the crews and make friends in the industry. Just don't be the obnoxious guy that never leaves anyone alone. Every airline at one station or another has "that guy".