Image placement path reverts back to root of USB drive each time

Hi,

We have a user with the latest Mac Studio, running the latest Creative Cloud. She works from home some days and other days, on site. 

She works off of an external USB drive, so the Indesign file and links etc are stored on the external. This way she can transport the artwork with her. I realise this means the data isnt backed up until copied off for archiving etc etc blah de blah but I dont want to debate working methods here.

She has worked this way for years without any issue but recently has a problem where if she places a link, say a PDF or an image by navigating to the folder and selecting it, then tries to place another link that is in the same folder right after, the file browser reverts back to the root folder of the USB drive. It doesnt keep the last link placement location. 

Testing this, if the links are on the local HDD, its not a problem. Its just recently starting being an issue with the external drive. 

Has anyone else experienced this, where the file path reverts to the root folder when placing images from an external drive? Thanks.