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January 18, 20254 min read
Zombie jobs: why they linger and how to spot one
A zombie job looks alive on an org chart, but most of the real work is already automated or quietly outsourced. The role sticks around because budgets, processes, or habits haven't caught up yet.
Quick signals
- Your week is mostly copy-paste, templates, and checklists.
- Success is measured by speed and consistency, not judgment.
- Tools already do 70%+ of the task and you just approve the output.
Why they linger
Compliance, legacy systems, and slow budget cycles keep headcount in place even when the work shrinks. Managers also keep seats warm so teams aren't understaffed during transitions.
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If your role feels like a zombie job, move toward oversight, quality control, or customer-facing work where context and trust matter. Those responsibilities survive automation longer.