TMUX. The best thing EVER.
These days I can go around with my trusty 64GB USB3.0 flash drive, boot Linux off it, and use the VT to start Tmux.
Window 0: Editing
Window 1: Build testing
Window 2: CMakeLists.txt editing
Window 3: Web (Lynx!)
Window 4: Research (Manpages and Info)
Window 5: Music (CMus!)
I can launch the whole thing with a quick script. I don't even need to open the GUI. Everything is accessible from the VT.