Magician is basically useless unless grouped?

[Virtual]

Let me start of by saying I did have a forum account already but I lost the password, anyway I'm a level 38 high elf magician and I'm finding it impossible to solo. I've pretty much been grouping in various places since around level 13-14 all the way until my current level so I thought I would give solo'ing a try.

I tried yetis in DL and I can almost get it to work except my pets get absolutely crushed by them even chaincasting pets takes forever but most of the time I end up dying and losing all the xp i've earned, I also tried spectres in The Ferrott but that does not work for me either I have to zone can't even get one down.

I have focus items and I am using the latest spells but my guy feels weak as hell, am I just bound to being in groups all the way till max level?