Hey Boston, as Steve said - check for a diplomatic escape clause in your lease. Your landlord is being entirely unreasonable and can't expect you to pay out seven months rent on an unoccupied
property. You will also find it extremely difficult to find a tenant who is willing to rent at the prices you're paying since the bottom has fallen out of the rental market.
The deposit is just that; insurance against you defaulting on your contractual obligations as a tenant. Two months rent is more than fair compensation, it will cover the agents fee as well as another month of rent on top of the one you pay before you leave.
If all else fails your landlord can't get blood out of a stone. I agree that it is dishonorable to default on your lease, however it is also dishonorable for your landlord to financially hold you hostage when you're out of a job. As I said, the deposit is more than fair compensation. Don't let your landlord bully you.