The PPL is just a poo coloured wallet which means diddly squat in real terms!
It's a licence to learn - you'll make plenty of mistakes for many hours after you've got your licence, all the PPL certifies is that you're not likely to kill yourself (or anybody else) whilst making them!
By no means does this generalise against pilots at the lower end of the hours ladder (I stand guilty as charged), everyone is of a different ability, but it's important to know that you're about to venture into a period of your flying where you're statistically more likely to have an accident, so be on top alert.
But hey, flying's about having fun! What you've described is perfectly normal, and you'll soon learn that a/g operators/FISOs/controllers are your friend and are usually helpful and accommodating, so don't worry too much about this aspect. Most of these issues can be overcome by planning in plenty of time, and this isn't necessarily on the ground... Say you've 20 NM to run, and you've been instructed to join overhead. Perfect opportunity to have a good think about how you're going to orientate yourself, listen out on the radio and you'll be able to adjust as necessary to ensure a smooth transition into the circuit.
And as far as an engine failure goes... If you're 2,000' or above, you've got a pretty good view of the countryside around you, so finding a field shouldn't be a problem. During training it will seem harder because you're trying to arrange everything into the 'right' order, get a mayday in etc... In real life, remember, aviate, navigate, communicate. If you don't have time for a mayday, focus solely on flying the aeroplane and landing it safely. A fatal accident due engine failure in VFR is VERY rare.
Anyway, forget all that because you're still training and by that theory still have an instructor.
Talk to them about it, they know you best.