New Mage looking for guidance

Hello everyone! I decided to roll a mage for my first dps character. So far, I am really enjoying it. Prior to my mage, I raided with a priest and a druid (both healers). DPS plays completely differently from healing, but I find it to be quite exciting.

My question is, should I be worried about my dps numbers at this low level? I hear people say that mages can routinely top the charts. In the few dungeons I have run so far, I've been #2 or #3 on the chart. Are dps numbers not something I should worry about until max level?

I don't have any of the better spells yet, I mostly use Arcane Barrage/Fire blast and Missiles when it procs.

Any advice you can give, related to dps numbers or otherwise, would be appreciated.
I wish I could provide better advice but none of my three mages were leveled during Cata. I can say though you shouldnt worry about the charts right now. Your rotation is going to pretty scattered and makeshift until more of your core spells move in.

Im not sure how I feel about going arcane at your level though. It doesnt matter but I think (now this is just opinion) fire or possible frost may serve better.

I tanked a bit during vanilla and healed some in BC and Wotlk and I can tell you that dps doesnt provide a great deal of freedom. What I mean is that you will become a slave to your rotation and the challenge becomes maintaining it while moving. What I miss about the other roles is that the situation determines what spells you use rather than a cadence.

I find the fun part of dps is in breaking from that rotation to frost nova or sheep a mob pounding on your healer, or ice block out of boss mechanics, and so on.

The mage offers a lot of innovation if you get creative, so in that respect it can be fun. Good luck.
Your level 19, you havn't even sc@*!!d the surface of mage potential. Numbers at your level are insignificant. As for PvE all tree rotation's are easy, expecially with arcane which may actually put you to sleep. PvE for dps is all about positioning and the output of damage you can get from an advantegious position that requires the least amount of movement for maximum casts and rotations.

If this is your first dps roll for PvE purposes but have played a healer for PvE purposes then you will know everything is routine, no change-ups to fight the AI because the AI never learns any new tricks and healing or tanking is much more challenging and rewarding in experience.

But I know, your a peacock and you need to fly.