diff --git a/cron/jobs.py b/cron/jobs.py
index b749c51f..a647a18b 100644
--- a/cron/jobs.py
+++ b/cron/jobs.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ Jobs are stored in ~/.hermes/cron/jobs.json
 Output is saved to ~/.hermes/cron/output/{job_id}/{timestamp}.md
 """
 
+import copy
 import json
 import logging
 import tempfile
@@ -539,8 +540,8 @@ def get_due_jobs() -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
     immediately.  This prevents a burst of missed jobs on gateway restart.
     """
     now = _hermes_now()
-    jobs = [_apply_skill_fields(j) for j in load_jobs()]
-    raw_jobs = load_jobs()  # For saving updates
+    raw_jobs = load_jobs()
+    jobs = [_apply_skill_fields(j) for j in copy.deepcopy(raw_jobs)]
     due = []
     needs_save = False