Magician is basically useless unless grouped?

[Velerin]

Sounds like you're just targeting the wrong mobs. Mages are great soloers, peaking at level 49. You need to target low blue mobs that are equal or lower than your pets level. Your relative power is directly related to your spell level since that's the pet you're using. 38 will suck, 39 is great, 43 really sucks, 44 great. Often best to solo the first couple levels after a new pet, then group the last levels before new spells. Relax, sick Fluffy on some buggers, open a beer, and get some exp.

Also: I'm sure you know this but never nuke if you're chaining. You'll lose all the aggro of the old pet. Also work on that timing. If using fire pet during chaining if he doesn't cast DS right away, keep backing him off mob and he'll cast it eventually.