Women at the middle level of their high-tech careers are extremely valuable to their organizations, but new research indicates that this seems to be the very point at which they face the greatest barriers to advancement.

According to a new study, Climbing the Technical Ladder: Obstacles and Solutions for Mid-Level Women in Technology, 29 percent of women are planning to leave their mid-level positions at high tech companies in the next 12 months and pursue alternative options.

The study was conducted by the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology in conjunction with the Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research, Stanford University.