> how many people with the unmarketable degrees work in completely different fields, and would be much better off studying in that field from the beginning
There is no majors for people who get into high-paying jobs like "Sales" or "Real Estate Broker". I also know the most successful people in those industries tend to have college degrees. People with those interests can use their college experience to make themselves more well-rounded humans. They can build their networks and improve future earning potential. They can focus on other disciplines (writing, marketing, pre-law, etc.) to make them more successful in their chosen career.
> how much more money certain majors make.
It sounds like you were surprised when you saw your initial example of a "dumb choice" major, Gender Studies, had an average wage over $80k; which is more than double the national median. Your second example International Relations, has an average wage of $97k [2].
Maybe it is your frame of reference that needs change rather than other people's major choices.
There is no majors for people who get into high-paying jobs like "Sales" or "Real Estate Broker". I also know the most successful people in those industries tend to have college degrees. People with those interests can use their college experience to make themselves more well-rounded humans. They can build their networks and improve future earning potential. They can focus on other disciplines (writing, marketing, pre-law, etc.) to make them more successful in their chosen career.
> how much more money certain majors make.
It sounds like you were surprised when you saw your initial example of a "dumb choice" major, Gender Studies, had an average wage over $80k; which is more than double the national median. Your second example International Relations, has an average wage of $97k [2].
Maybe it is your frame of reference that needs change rather than other people's major choices.
[1] https://datausa.io/profile/cip/cultural-gender-studies
[2] https://datausa.io/profile/cip/international-relations-affai...