I didn't mean to assume that you weren't applying for jobs. You said you'd been on a "few interviews," and I was trying to stress that what you're looking for -

I didn't mean to assume that you weren't applying for jobs. You said you'd been on a "few interviews," and I was trying to stress that what you're looking for -- a company that both wants the skill you have now and will help you gain the skills you want to have in the near future -- is probably uncommon, and you will have to cast a broad net. You're right: many companies hiring for bug-hunters don't offer a good path to real developer roles from there. And many will not be totally honest about it. Those are difficulties. That's why the search will be hard. But there are good managers out there who will deal straight with you, and there are employers that will let you make that transition -- and even assist you in making it. You're just going to have to really look for them.