How concerned should I be about my rating? What purpose does it serve? Is there a prize? Lol.... I play strictly for fun and to improve my game (tactics). Note: I am never a sore loser, nor am I a bragging winner.
As a beginner you should just have fun and maybe learn a little, so no reason at all to be concerned with your rating. After a few years experience it does help to find you a competitive opponent though, so they have their uses.