work one's way

Exert oneself to proceed in a particular direction; also, finance a project by working. For example, The painters are working their way from the top floor to the basement, or I'm trying to work my way into the publishing world, or She's working her way through college. [Second half of 1800s]

Words nearby work one's way

work like a charm, work of art, work off, work on, work one's fingers to the bone, work one's way, work order, work out, work over, work projects administration, work rules