This article considers the experiences of a small group of agency care managers (n=23) working in London and the north of England. It was discovered that employment for occupationally migrant care managers can provide access to a potentially rich source of knowledge and skills, as well as a diverse and sometimes stimulating form of irregular employment. However, it was also discovered that work intensification, job insecurity and limited time spent with users and carers were common, and this further intensified the deskilling and lack of discretion which is common for many care managers.