How to deal with the dilemma of being accepted to private company while being a part-time instructor?

I’m a licensed Mechanical Engineer currently working as a full-load COS/part-time instructor in an SUC (22 teaching units). I enjoy teaching, but the position is contractual with no long-term security and limited benefits.

Recently, a company I applied to last year contacted me and offered me a Sales Engineer position in HVAC. The office is only 3 minutes from my home, and the role is industry-based with regular employment benefits.

My department chair already told me that if I accept an industry job, I can reduce my teaching load to 6 units so students won’t be disrupted. However, I’m worried this might create tension or resentment in the department since I was only recently accepted as a full-load instructor.

My long-term plan is:

•	Build industry experience now

•	Eventually return to academe if a plantilla position opens (possibly while pursuing a master’s degree)

My questions:

1.	Is HVAC Sales Engineer a good stepping stone for a Mechanical Engineer compared to staying full-time in academe as COS?

2.	From a career perspective, is it wiser to prioritize industry experience now while I’m still early in my career?

3.	For those who worked in academe or COS roles, how did you handle leaving mid-semester for an industry job?

4.	Any regrets choosing industry over teaching (or vice versa)?

I want to make a practical decision for long-term growth, not just short-term comfort. Would really appreciate insights from people who’ve been in similar situations.

Thanks in advance.