Work your way through college, round the world, etc.
Definition 1 of 2

Self-reliance
Emphasizes the idea of depending on oneself to finance personal goals or responsibilities.

While studying, he worked nights to work his way through college.
Multiple Jobs
May involve doing various jobs to meet the financial demands of achieving one's goal.

She babysat and waited tables to work her way through college.
Literally Physical
Sometimes used to describe literally moving or traveling while accomplishing a task or goal.

He plans to work his way round the world on cargo ships.
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