The Netflix show Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders has astounded many viewers by revealing just how little the elite cheerleaders earn for their service. But there doesn’t seem to be a lack of talented and dedicated vying for one of the 36 spots in the team, sacrificing their time, social life, financial potential and even their health in the process.

And why? Being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader is appealing on many fronts. To be part of a long-standing tradition. To get up close and personal with a solid sisterhood. To push your body to its limits and perform at the pinnacle. These ladies are young - in their 20s - and money seems to be a less attractive currency compared to non-monetary currencies, such as camaraderie, pride and prestige.

I can somewhat relate to what these ladies are feeling and thinking. The Japan Exchange Teaching program is mainly meant for recent college graduates, but in my early 30s, I eagerly took a pay cut to embark on a novel adventure to teach English as an Assistant Language Teacher in primary and secondary schools. On paper, it seemed that I had regressed professionally, but again, I valued the many non-monetary currencies afforded to me by the job. Living on my own for the first time. Navigating everything in a foreign language. Having the front row seat to how education is carried out in Japan. Travel on the weekends. Oh, I can ramble on and on. Suffice it to say that they were collectively so valuable than fiat that even though my time in JET did set me back my peers professionally, I have no regrets. Probably that’s what the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are feeling. No regrets.

Now, joining a leading cheerleading squad and working abroad may not be endeavours you get to undertake on an everyday basis. But that’s not to say that you can’t value non-monetary currencies in your mundane life. Recently, the cables on my circuit board burnt down, plunging my entire house into pitch-black darkness. Upon receiving my distress call, my electrician came to my house to fix it temporarily - at 11pm. He didn’t charge me that night because we arranged for him to install a new circuit board subsequently.

Yesterday, he came over to install a new circuit board. When he wrote me the bill, he had not included his late night’s service. I’m not exactly why sure. Maybe the assorted charges related to installing a new circuit board came up to $760, so he was concerned that I would find it too expensive? But one thing’s for sure. He had decided to clock his late night’s service as helping a client-turned-friend out. He valued this connection more than his missed opportunity for quality sleep.

I was touched, to say the least. I paid him $1000 eventually, which included the ang bao amount I decided to give him for his late-night service. Never have I been happier to tip someone that substantial before.

As a parent saddled with child-rearing responsibilities, I confess that Money has become my North Star in my life. But these incidents reminded me about how non-monetary currencies can be a powerful motivating force and fill the heart just as well.