However, since the master-servant relationship was a loosing one, compared with the later Edo period, it was possible that a samurai dissatisfied with his status would abandon his master and became 牢人 at his own discretion, and depending upon his ability, seeking better treatment, it was also possible to find a position in another daimyo family.
ただ、後の江戸時代よりも主従関係が未だルーズであり、待遇に不満があれば主君を見限って自ら致仕して牢人となり、実力次第でよりよい待遇を求めて別の大名家に仕官する者たちもいた。