work one's way

idiom

1

: to move oneself into or out of a particular position slowly or with difficulty

I worked my way to the center of the crowd.

They started working their way cautiously down the side of the mountain.

—sometimes used figuratively

He had worked his way into her heart.

She is slowly working her way to the top of the company.

2

: to have a job that helps pay for expenses while going to college/school

She is working her way through law school.