I'm not sure how you think this would play in her favor. The rules of her employer are no swearing. To say, well I was blowing off steam, is to say that you acknowledge that you broke the rules, but because you are upset, you think it's okay to do so. As an employer myself, I expect my employees to control themselves. If they are unable to do so, then they need to take a personal day. Isn't it better to lose a day's pay versus your job entirely?

I don't know, your suggestion just seems to me like it would make someone seem more unprofessional and not serious about their job.

I mean "never occurred to you that the comment might offend someone"...what does that have to do with anything? Ruby knew that the employer had a rule against swearing on the sales floor. Ruby's own opinion of whether or not it's offensive is entirely a moot point.

I think the best thing Ruby could do is just apologize WITHOUT making excuses and give her word that it will not happen again. And then make sure that she adheres to ALL the rules of her employer, not just when she thinks someone is watching, but all the time.

Seesaw