to have a job or series of jobs while studying, travelling, etc. in order to pay for your education, etc.
WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH COLLEGE, ROUND THE WORLD, ETC.
Meaning of WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH COLLEGE, ROUND THE WORLD, ETC. in English
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005