关于make one's way的用法，这里提供《英语惯用短语词典》上的解释，希望能解你的疑惑。

make one's way

1) 前进，行进

With long strides he made his way back to the village. 他大步地向村子里走回去。

He made his way slowly up the hill. 他慢慢地朝山上走去。

2)（依靠自己的努力而）成功，发迹，上进（亦作make one's own way）

He hasn't the determination to make his way in the world. 他没有努力上进的决心。

He has made his way in the world. 他在社会上有地位了。