I want to keep my OPT eligibility AND work now - how?

Two clean plays. One: arrange a part-time role with your employer and use part-time CPT - part-time CPT never counts toward the 12-month limit. Two: keep your total full-time CPT under 12 months - for example on a one-year track (Texas Wesleyan, CIAM's non-STEM MBA, or Lamar with a heavier fall/spring load), by starting full-time CPT a bit later or switching to part-time before you reach 12 months. We pick whichever fits your job reality, and the school's DSO confirms your CPT dates.