by Alyssa Kirkman, on Mar 3, 2026 9:38:48 AM
If you could hop in a time-traveling truck and give your rookie self a piece of advice… what would you say? And maybe more importantly, would she even listen?
That was the question posed in a recent Engage thread, and the responses were honest, heartfelt, and full of hard-earned wisdom. While each story was unique, a clear theme emerged: slow down, protect what matters, and don’t wait decades to learn the lessons that matter most.
Slow Down and Soak It In
Carrie Miller kicked off the conversation with advice many of us felt in our bones: “I would tell my younger self, have fun, get rest, slow down and love on your family. Don't put your career before your family. 😍 Would I listen? Probably not. 😁”
That honesty set the tone. We often focus on proving ourselves by saying yes to every opportunity, taking every call and pushing through every long day. Slowing down can feel like falling behind, but as members shared, slowing down is about being intentional.
Wisdom Comes with Time
Christine Stone echoed Carrie’s sentiment: “I would most definitely tell my younger self to slow down, listen more, and to not take myself so seriously. All things I'm doing now but it took me 24 years to get there. 😃 It's been a great 24 years; it's even better now. Wisdom is a blessing.” Her words are a reminder that wisdom is earned.
Family First
For Donna Dunn, the advice was simple and direct: “I would tell myself to listen more. I would have learned more sooner. Family first and don't work so many hours.”
That same realization became deeply personal for Carrie when she shared that family is what ultimately changed her career path. She stepped away from her CHRO role to start her own executive coaching practice, choosing to focus on mentoring today’s leaders while making more space for family.
It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest move is redefining success.
Protect Your Health, Ask Questions and Control the Controllables
The advice wasn’t just philosophical — it was practical. Erin Van Houten encouraged rookies to:
- Take your PTO
- Learn from everyone you encounter
- Control the controllables
And after 25 years behind the wheel, a driver member shared three hard-earned lessons:
- Slow down, even when dispatch feels loud
- Ask questions before small problems turn expensive
- Protect your health like it’s part of the job — because it is
She also offered a powerful insight: “I'm seeing now that most drivers who leave in the first few months don't fail because they can't drive… they leave because no one really walks them through the reality of the lifestyle.” That reminder speaks to the importance of mentorship, transparency, and community support in those critical first months.
Would We Have Listened?
Nearly every response included the same self-aware smile: probably not. And, that’s okay.
Growth often requires experience, and this thread allows today’s rookies to borrow wisdom from those who’ve already traveled the road. Maybe someone new to the industry will read these reflections and choose to:
- Take the PTO
- Make the doctor’s appointment
- Ask the extra question
- Turn down one more hour to make it home for dinner
- Or simply breathe and slow down
The beauty of Engage is that it creates space for these conversations. The real ones, the reflective ones, the ones that remind us we’re not alone in figuring it out.
If you could give your rookie self one tip, what would you say? And this time… would she listen? Join the conversation today.
Not a member? Learn more about how WIT can support you.
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