The latter.if half-time for 20 years and full time for 10 years, does this count as 30 years service, or 20 years service?
A lot of public servants don't realise this. Most don't start in their early 20s any more, and many (particuarly women) take leave of some kind during their career so it is almost unusual nowadays to have the full 40 years service by retirement age.All spells of part-time work, parental leave, etc, reduce superannuation entitlements.
Lots starting later than early 20s too. In the future people having 40 years at 65 will be a rarity.A lot of public servants don't realise this. Most don't start in their early 20s any more, and many (particuarly women) take leave of some kind during their career so it is almost unusual nowadays to have the full 40 years service by retirement age.
AVCs of course is one way of "catching up"