Economics is not a hard science. I’m not criticizing its importance, just stating a fact. It’s difficult to be a hard science when there are so many diverse factors at play, including a huge contribution of human emotion, and the influence of dynamic political influences.
There are two “branches” of “economics.” Microeconomics is things like supply and demand. Macroeconomics is things like “stimulus” theory and the Philips “curve.” IOW, micro is theory, macro is Democrat wishful thinking.
Most economists make Astrologers appear as respectable scientists.
I went back to undergrad as an adult at 24 with the intent of receiving a BS in Economics and then getting a MS or PHD in Economics shortly thereafter. I ended up with an A+ average with my undergrad Econ degree, but I decided to get a MBA rather than continue on with Economics for the reasons you outlined. It mainly assumes that people are always rational, which just isn’t the case. Socialism also distorts economics as the rational thing for many immigrants (illegal or otherwise) and most of the lower class is to just leech off Western society.