Why I Decided to Leave Facebook (and What I’m Doing Instead)

Tammy Watson
May 12
3 min read

Facebook has been part of my life—and my business—for almost two decades. I’ve watched my family grow, shared victories and heartaches, built and run groups, received support, celebrated milestones, and connected with incredible women across Ontario. I even grew a few businesses—including Canadian Handywoman and Solutions with Tammy—through that familiar blue-and-white app.

But lately, something shifted.

Maybe it was the way I was scrolling more than connecting. Or how I felt boxed into using the platform a certain way just to stay visible—while seeing more content that made me uncomfortable. I also wasn’t connecting with my broader community in any real way. It all started feeling… off.

Whatever the reason, I found myself clutching onto something that no longer felt good. And when that happens, it’s time to loosen the grip. Staying tied to something that no longer aligns with your values—and doing nothing to change it—is exhausting and frustrating. It won’t ease the discomfort, it just amplifies it. So I made a change: I decided to leave Facebook.

A sparsely filled double car garage with a cracked foundation — Tammy's news workshop before any work has begun

This wasn’t a decision I made on a whim.

I managed a private group that empowered women with DIY home repair skills and maintenance confidence. I created a public group that connected thousands of rural-minded community members. I used Facebook to share local home services, promote workshops, and build trusted client relationships. For a long time, it was a great tool.

But tools only work when they’re the right fit for the job—and this one wasn’t anymore.

Even personally, the experience had become frustrating. Out of 300+ friends, I was seeing updates from the same 10 people. My feed was full of ads, misinformation, and content that didn’t reflect my values. That’s not how I want to spend my time—or how I want my clients to find me.

So here’s what I’m doing instead.

I’m not disappearing. I’m still working across KFL&A and now in the Quinte and Hastings areas. I’m building, teaching, coaching, and showing up for women who want more confidence in their homes, their businesses, and themselves. I’m just doing it in ways that feel more real—and less algorithm-driven.

Here’s where you can still find me:

On my email list, where I share DIY home maintenance tips, empowering mindset tools, and updates on events, services, and hands-on workshops.
On LinkedIn, where I connect with tradeswomen, service-based entrepreneurs, and other community builders across Ontario.
In the Quinte area, through bulletin boards, markets, and good ol’ word-of-mouth referrals.
And in person, whether it’s through my Teach & Go service, group DIY sessions, or handywoman repairs for professional women in need of support they can trust.

Leaving Facebook doesn’t mean I’m hiding—it means I’m reclaiming my time, my energy, and how I show up in the world. I’m making space for better conversations and more meaningful community building, especially here in Quinte and the surrounding area.

If you know of a great way to stay in the loop with local events, businesses, and community happenings—without the digital overwhelm—I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message, drop me a note, or stick something on a bulletin board and let me know where to find it.

And if you’ve been thinking about stepping back from something that no longer fits—this is your nudge. You don’t have to wait until it’s unbearable. You get to choose alignment, peace, and purpose on your own terms.