It's funny you should mention just taking one class at a time! I had to do that very thing just a few years ago when I got my M.A. I was in classes with people taking huge loads plus working two or more jobs, and I thought, "How can they DO this!??" I was most comfortable taking just one class, but sometimes, like in the summer, I took two. By limiting my course loads, I did very well. At several stages during the M.A. study, I had to drop classes down to one. I had so much anxiety with multiple study demands. Keep in mind, that I was also working as a full time teacher, and I truly lacked the energy for extra demands like multiple courses. Because I limited my course loads, it took me about 5 years to complete the M.A. The alternative, for me, would have been to do mediocre work and get the degree faster, or take my time, enjoy it, and have great results. This might be something you will have to consider. Yes, it can take longer, but you could have a part-time job that is not so demanding, and allow yourself to concentrate on one or two classes at a time, even if it does take you longer that way!