i find this very type of thing common at certain types of workplaces, generally, the larger the operation, the more likely there will be 'zombies'.

You know them, you've seen them - they just sit in their cubicles and do . . . WTF do they do? How did they get that job? How are they KEEPING their job?!?

My goal is to avoid places like that, but this limits me incredibly. i will only take a job at such a place as a last resort. So far so good . . . . i consider myself very fortunate to have co-workers like i do now, but i have also strived for it.

Surround yourself with people smarter and better then you, then you will improve - surround yourself with zombies, and watch your brain atrophy. You sound like you know what you are doing - keep learning and doing and you will go far! :)

jeffa