P: Lightroom Classic super slow export - any solutions?

I’m on a 15’’ 2019 MacBook Pro, Big Sur OS and Lightroom Classic 10.3.  2.6 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7. 16 GB 2400 MHz DDR4

After the Big Sur update and Lightroom Classic update were both done, LR exports for batch JPEG exports (Astro timelapses) are taking so long that I have to walk away from my computer and then 2-4 hours later when I take a look at the progress, it stops at around 20% (about 600 images total for the export).  I then have to cancel the export and try to start over with no luck.  It’s on a fresh catalog which is ran internally on the MacBook.  There’s ample storage for the files and I’ve followed the guidance on enhancing performance. I’m running LR Classic from the Creative Cloud.

At this point I can’t get work done and have been trying to get this resolved for more than 2 days.  I’ve been on the phone with Adobe support multiple times while doing screen share with them but no solution has been put in place.  I have to end the calls each time after more than an hour due to other things happening in my day.

Has anyone had any similar issues?  I’d love insight if anyone has any pointers. I’m stumped.

Prior to updating to Big Sur and 10.3, a similar export would be done in less than 10 minutes.  Super frustrating.

Thanks so much.