Objective: In this study, we explored how front-line workers experience the problem of staying safe or returning to work during COVID-19. Background: Front line workers were considered essential and could not avoid working with the public during the pandemic of COVID-19. There has been little academic information, how these workers coped with the dilemma of going to work during a pandemic. This study aims to provide information that may help create effective communication to help front-line workers cope while continuing to work. Method: Interviewed participants' comments were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Several techniques were used, such as hand-coding, text mining, and sentiment analysis. Results: The analysis of the data revealed themes of fear, compliance, and faith. Although participants were generally neutral about returning to work or working during the pandemic, participants mentioned fear frequently. Words related to compliance and faith appeared more regularly than fear. Conclusion: Due to the higher frequency of words related to compliance and faith, it seems that these two themes superseded fear. Front line workers who can rely on rules and trust in their management and coworkers will manage stress created by fear of COVID-19.