Why?

Oh, it was just kind of intense socially that is all mixed up with the business I am in. It felt like an obligation and not so much fun anymore. A high high proportion of my friends are also colleagues, and associates. That distinction is pretty murky. I used to be way more social, but in the last few years as my professional profile grew, my need to be private grew. I really enjoyed facebook when it was just me and my friends, but it got too big for my liking. There was so much self-promotion, it made me feel gaggy. At the same time, I don't resent the people/colleagues doing it, but I didn't need more of it in my life. I could've deleted the offenders but I have no real beef with them and like them so that seemed unnecessarily offensive. So - it seemed easier to take me out of the situation!

I'll take a break, and if I go back, I'll create a new profile and lock down the privacy and keep it small.

Deactivated, but not deleted. Don't be confused - Facebook keeps all of your data for as long as it wants.